Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially inaugurated the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The event, taking place for the first time in the GCC region, is held under the theme “Powering Transformative Conservation.”
During the inauguration, His Highness Sheikh Khaled emphasised that environmental preservation forms an essential pillar of the UAE’s overall development strategy. He highlighted the nation’s role as a global model in protecting nature and maintaining the sustainability of its natural resources, underscoring that environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in the UAE’s national vision.
Sheikh Khaled also noted that the UAE has achieved remarkable progress in conservation through its initiatives aimed at ecosystem restoration, endangered species protection, and the expansion of its network of protected areas—now covering over 15 percent of the country’s land. He affirmed that the UAE’s leadership continues to place sustainability at the heart of its future agenda, recognising environmental balance and natural resource preservation as fundamental to long-term prosperity and the well-being of coming generations.
The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi; Sara Awad Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund – Presidential Court; and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Prominent international guests included Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Chair of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection; Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Regent of Pahang; Dr. Sylvia Earle, IUCN Patron of Nature and Founder of Mission Blue; Juan Carlos Navarro, Panama’s Minister of Environment; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP; and Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention.
Hosting this major global event reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading advocate for international collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in environmental efforts. The Congress aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which focuses on enhancing nature-based solutions, restoring ecosystems, and protecting endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx and Scimitar-Horned Oryx. These initiatives reflect the UAE’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
On a global level, the UAE continues to actively support international sustainability initiatives, promoting renewable energy, advancing nature-based solutions, and contributing to food and water security. Through hosting significant environmental events and building global partnerships, the UAE demonstrates its dedication to achieving the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and fulfilling 2030 climate and biodiversity goals aimed at reducing global emissions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is recognized as the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental network, uniting governments, civil society, and experts to deliver sustainable conservation solutions. The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi serves as a landmark convening platform for shaping international environmental policy, strengthening collaboration, and accelerating global progress toward a more sustainable future. The UAE’s hosting of this event underscores its role as a catalyst for international cooperation and leadership in environmental protection, Xpats.ae reported.
