Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was honored with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Glasgow. This honorary degree recognizes her significant contributions to environmental conservation and the humanities. The ceremony was held at the university’s Dumfries campus during the graduation of the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability.
During her acceptance speech, Ms. Al Mubarak addressed the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, urging new graduates to rethink humanity's relationship with nature. She highlighted the urgency of these issues, stating, "We live in a warming world that is losing its biodiversity at unprecedented rates," and called for scalable solutions and innovative approaches to resource management, city planning, and business practices to repair our relationship with nature.
Professor Bethan Wood, Deputy Head of the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, praised Ms. Al Mubarak for her dedication to inclusivity in conservation efforts, particularly with respect to Indigenous communities. Her leadership at COP28 was noted as a key moment in advancing global conservation efforts.
This honorary degree from the University of Glasgow celebrates Ms. Al Mubarak's achievements and underscores her ongoing role in advocating for sustainable practices and policies that address the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.