Abu Dhabi is set to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, marking the first time the event will take place in the GCC region. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the environmental event will take place from October 9-15, 2025, at ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi.
The President’s patronage of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 confirms the UAE’s interest in protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity as an essential part of its vision for a sustainable future, in line with His Highness’s directives.
The UAE’s hosting of the congress also reflects its commitment to supporting international environmental dialogues and initiatives, providing a global platform that gathers leaders, experts and decision-makers to collaborate on effective solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges, while further enhancing the UAE’s leadership position in nature and biodiversity conservation, and species protection.
“The selection of the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025 underscores the UAE’s role as a driving force in global efforts to protect the environment and preserve nature,” stated Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of EAD.
Event to attract over 10,000 participants
The UAE was awarded the opportunity to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi following a comprehensive review process conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Council in 2023.
The successful bid was submitted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). Subsequently, MOCCAE signed the Host Country Agreement on behalf of the UAE Government.
The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries around the world, including government leaders, environmental specialists, scientists and experts.
“This event underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment and significant contribution to environmental protection and sustainability. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will play an active role in the congress, driving forward the UAE’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability, thereby shaping the future of our planet,” stated Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
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Congress to develop global agenda for conserving biodiversity
Held once every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together several thousand leaders and decision-makers from government, civil society, business and academia. It is the highest decision-making body of the union, where accredited delegates from IUCN members convene. One of its key mandates is the election of the next term’s President, Treasurer, Regional Councillors, and Chairs of Commissions, who will comprise the IUCN Council.
IUCN has more 1,400 member organizations, including states and government agencies at the national and subnational levels, a diverse range of NGOs, indigenous peoples’ organizations, scientific and academic institutions and business associations.
“The Congress will serve as a platform to discuss and develop a global agenda for conserving biodiversity and as a commitment to preserving nature, which is fast becoming a priority for all governments in the world. The IUCN Congress will be a wonderful opportunity for the region to showcase conservation actions and the unique challenges it faces and learn from world experts. Building on the legacy of Marseille, we will amplify this platform through our conservation success stories, especially in species restoration, and foster collaboration among governments, NGOs, the private sector, indigenous groups and IUCN members worldwide,” added Al Dhaheri.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest gathering of governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples and experts around the world united by one purpose: to achieve a just world that values and conserves nature.
