Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak

Uniting for Nature, Climate, and People

Razan’s leadership is grounded in the belief that effective conservation must be strategic, inclusive, and collaborative — integrating nature into climate action while empowering Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and local communities to shape global solutions.

Strategic Vision for IUCN
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Summary of Achievements
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International Leadership
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About Razan Al Mubarak

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is a globally respected leader in nature conservation and climate action. Her work is grounded in a clear vision: that meaningful conservation must be strategic, inclusive, and rooted in collaboration. She has consistently championed the integration of nature into climate policy, while ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and civil society are fully empowered to shape the solutions of tomorrow.

She serves as President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — the world’s oldest and largest environmental network — and made history as the first President from West Asia and only the second woman to lead the Union. In her role as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE, Razan played a vital role in highlighting nature’s importance in climate solutions and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities across the global negotiations.

Razan brings over two decades of leadership experience in environmental policy, species recovery, and institutional development. As Managing Director of both the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature–WWF, she has led efforts to expand protected areas, safeguard air and marine quality, and to support the realization of one of the world’s most ambitious species reintroductions — returning the Scimitar-horned oryx to the wild in Chad after it was declared Extinct in the Wild.

She is the Founding Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, which has supported more than 3,000 direct conservation projects in nearly every country — and remains one of the most significant and agile funds of its kind. The MBZ Fund, along with EAD, Emirates Nature–WWF, Re:wild, and Panthera, are all IUCN Members, reflecting Razan’s deep engagement with the Union’s broad and diverse constituency.

On the international stage, she is the UAE President’s Sherpa to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and Nature Champion at the World Economic Forum. She also serves on the boards of Re:Wild, Panthera, and the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, helping guide initiatives that support species, ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them.

Razan holds an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from University College London (UCL) and a BA in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University.

Summary of Achievements

As President of IUCN, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak has brought renewed vision, inclusivity, and energy to the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. Her leadership has been marked by strategic alignment, stronger Member engagement, and global advocacy for nature’s role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Elevating Nature in the Global Climate Agenda

Strengthened IUCN’s influence in international processes by ensuring biodiversity and nature-based solutions were recognized as essential to the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
Established the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission, institutionalizing IUCN’s commitment to climate action through science, community leadership, and nature-based solutions.
Promoted coherence across the Rio Conventions, advancing IUCN’s role as a unifying platform for climate, biodiversity, and land agendas.

Integrating Diverse Voices in Conservation

Championed the leadership of Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and local communities—those most connected to biodiversity and most affected by its loss.
Promoted inclusive policy spaces that reflect the knowledge, rights, and leadership of underrepresented voices, while supporting efforts to shift resources and decision-making power to the frontlines of conservation.

Delivering a Long-Term Strategic Vision for the Union

Led the development of IUCN’s first-ever 20-Year Strategic Vision, charting the Union’s direction across conservation, climate resilience, and equity.
Oversaw the creation of the 2026–2029 Programme of Work, translating strategic goals into a clear, actionable roadmap.

Strengthening Governance and Institutional Cohesion

Reinforced collaboration across the Council, Secretariat, Commissions, and Members—rebuilding trust through inclusive and transparent decision-making.
Promoted regional inclusion by hosting Council meetings in diverse global locations.

Enhancing Member Value and Engagement

Supported efforts to retain and grow State membership while promoting a more equitable global presence.
Deepened the One Programme approach, positioning Members at the heart of policy, conservation delivery, and mission advancement.

Laying the Groundwork for Innovation and Future Impact

Proposed an IUCN-led global stocktake for nature to assess progress under the Global Biodiversity Framework and shape the post-2030 agenda.
Launched planning for a pre-Congress summit on innovation and technology to guide the responsible use of emerging tools—such as artificial intelligence—in service of conservation.
Advanced the integration of science, data, and Indigenous knowledge systems as pillars of IUCN’s credibility and impact.

International Leadership

President, International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Razan spearheads efforts to integrate nature into global climate strategies. She is the second woman to lead the organization and the first president from West Asia.

Managing Director, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

One of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations supporting direct species conservation, funding over 3,000 projects in nearly every country.

High-Level Climate Champion for COP28 UAE

Razan played a key role in elevating nature’s role in global climate action, advocating for Indigenous Peoples and inclusion at COP28 In the United Arab Emirates.

UAE Sherpa, Ocean Panel

Ocean Panel is a global initiative promoting sustainable ocean management. The United Aarab Emirates is a part of a consortium of 19 countries.

Managing Director, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

The largest environmental regulator in the Middle East. Oversees air quality, marine water quality, fisheries, industrial regulation, protected areas and species conservation.

Chairperson, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures

Razan leads efforts to integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into financial decision-making, helping market participants manage their nature-related issues.

Managing Director, Emirates Nature – World Wildlife Fund

The first WWF office in the Middle East, a non-profit organisation and an environmental federal charity which Razan helped establish as the UAE’s affiliate of WWF.