Abu Dhabi: The IUCN World Conservation Congress – 2025 édition
1. A Global Gathering for the Environment
Organized every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress is the leading international event for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources. This Congress brings together thousands of participants: political leaders, scientific experts, civil society members, Indigenous peoples, businesses, and academics.
The next edition will take place from October 9 to 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It will be preceded by regional conservation forums held between April and October 2024, aimed at enhancing discussions on global environmental solutions.
2. Objectives and Impact
The Congress aims to improve environmental governance by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. Its goals include:
- Highlighting concrete solutions to address global environmental challenges.
- Promoting shared governance, where responsibilities and benefits of conservation are equitably distributed.
- Strengthening political and social commitments to sustainable development.
Since its inception, the IUCN World Conservation Congress has played a central role in adopting impactful resolutions and recommendations, directly contributing to international conservation policies.
3. The Three Pillars of the Congress
a) The Forum
The Forum serves as a public debate platform open to all. Proposed activities include:
- High-level dialogues gathering global leaders to discuss environmental and climate challenges.
- Workshops and technical sessions to explore innovative solutions and enhance participants’ skills.
- Interdisciplinary exchanges that promote the sharing of experiences and best practices in conservation.
b) The Members’ Assembly
The Assembly acts as the world’s environmental parliament and is unique in its structure. Comprised of IUCN government and NGO members, it adopts:
- Resolutions that guide international conservation efforts.
- Common policies, strengthening cooperation between public and private actors.
c) The Exhibition
The Exhibition offers participants a showcase to present their work, innovations, and research. Open to the public, it allows exhibitors to:
- Highlight concrete environmental solutions.
- Build collaborations between businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions.
- Raise awareness among a broader audience about conservation challenges.
4. Host Country Selection and National Engagement
Traditionally, the Congress is hosted by an IUCN Member State, selected through a rigorous process approximately three years prior to the event. For the host country, this represents:
- An opportunity to demonstrate leadership in environmental issues.
- A unique platform to promote its biodiversity, history, and culture on a global scale.
The upcoming edition in Abu Dhabi highlights the increasing commitment of Middle Eastern nations to addressing environmental challenges.
5. History of the World Conservation Congress
Since 1948, the Congress has evolved to become a central event in global conservation efforts. Initially focused solely on the Members’ Assembly, it expanded in 1996 with the inclusion of the Forum, enabling open and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Notable Past Editions:
- 2021: Marseille, France
- 2016: Hawaiʻi, United States
- 2012: Jeju, South Korea
- 2008: Barcelona, Spain
6. Accountability and Gender Equality
The IUCN places great importance on social responsibility and gender equality. The Congress adheres to guidelines for gender-responsive assemblies and implements a strict anti-harassment policy.
Organizer
Presentation of IUCN
Founded in 1948, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is a global organization dedicated to the conservation of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources. It brings together public, private, and non-governmental actors to promote solutions that enable societies, economies, and nature to thrive together.
Main Missions
- Providing knowledge: Data, assessments, and analyses to guide policies and decision-making.
- Setting standards: Delivering reference tools for conservation and biodiversity.
- Facilitating dialogue: Creating neutral platforms to share expertise and develop global solutions.
- Building capacity: Supporting local conservation actions through grants and concrete projects.
Approach and Projects
The IUCN relies on a rigorous scientific approach for its initiatives. Featured projects include:
- Restoring mangroves through community-led actions worldwide to protect vital ecosystems.
- Reducing plastic pollution, particularly through the Plastic Waste Free Islands project.
- Supporting international policies by providing recommendations at major summits like CBD COP16.
Partnerships and Contributions
The IUCN plays a key role in implementing global environmental funds (GEF, GCF) and benefits from the support of governments, foundations, and private partners to lead large-scale, impactful actions.
With over 1,400 resolutions adopted by its members since its inception, the IUCN has established itself as a central player in global environmental policy.
