Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, welcomed international Union members, Commissions, and partners to the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in Abu Dhabi from October 9 through 15.
Prior to the Congress, Ms. Al Mubarak participated in the opening ceremony of the first “World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature” — a historic milestone in IUCN’s 77-year history, as the gathering marked the first time that all Indigenous Member organisations of IUCN have come together to shape the shared priorities for nature.
Highlights of the following days include:
1️⃣ The opening “Business and Nature Summit” gathering — a moment for multi-sector leaders to get together and discuss how capital and corporate leadership can help close the biodiversity finance gap.
2️⃣ The “Nature’s Promise for Climate and People” dialogue, centered on reflecting on how the conservation community can bridge the gap between climate ambition and action ahead of COP30 Brazil.
3️⃣ The Youth Pavilion at IUCN World Conservation Congress, a space for young conservationists who are driving fresh thinking, creativity, and energy into the climate movement. A reminder that the future of conservation is already here — and it’s collaborative, inclusive, and bold.
4️⃣ A series of homages and respects to fellow conservationists and actors, such as the heartfelt tribute to Dame Jane Goodall, and the International Ranger Awards, held to honor the true guardians of nature.
At the IUCN Members’ Assembly, Ms. Al Mubarak was re-elected for a second term as President, following a four-year term marked by strengthened governance, renewed trust, and the elevation of nature within global climate and biodiversity agendas.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Al Mubarak spoke about the future of IUCN and conservation altogether:
“In an age of fragmentation, when others turn inwards, IUCN must turn outwards. We must leave to those who follow us a Union that is stronger, that is more united and more relevant than ever. A Union that not only measures the loss of nature but inspires life, building trust and solidarity across all boundaries.”