IUCN Council Kicks Off Global Initiative for Nature Conservation

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak led the 117th IUCN Council meeting in Gland, signaling the launch of a new global initiative dedicated to protecting nature, preserving biodiversity, and addressing species extinction.

This pivotal meeting coincides with IUCN's execution of key resolutions from the World Conservation Congress 2025, which took place in Abu Dhabi last October. During this congress, member organizations established a unified global strategy for nature preservation and re-elected Al Mubarak as President for another term.

Recognized as the largest and oldest environmental coalition globally, the IUCN comprises over 1,600 member organizations and more than 18,000 scientific experts. Its mission encompasses the protection of ecosystems, the conservation of species, and the promotion of sustainable resource use by bridging the gap between governments, scientists, and local communities.

The congress in Abu Dhabi marked a significant turning point in global conservation efforts. It introduced the “Abu Dhabi Call to Action” and established a 20-year Strategic Vision along with a comprehensive Programme of Work for 2026–2029, designed to accelerate progress toward global biodiversity targets during this pivotal decade.

At the Gland meeting, council members concentrated on transforming these commitments into tangible actions. They discussed prioritizing initiatives, identifying critical areas for immediate impact, and refining systems for monitoring biodiversity and species protection.

In addition, the council reaffirmed the functions of its committees responsible for overseeing program execution, financial management, and governance, ensuring accountability as IUCN intensifies its response to escalating environmental issues worldwide.

Al Mubarak underscored the pressing need for action, pointing out that biodiversity decline directly impacts economic stability, food security, and sustainable long-term development. She called for improved coordination amongst science, policy, and application on the ground.

IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar echoed this sentiment, asserting that now is the time to convert commitments into real-world outcomes by leveraging IUCN’s vast global network and scientific insights.

The council also examined strategies to aid countries through enhanced access to scientific tools, data, and guidelines, fortifying their ability to protect ecosystems, conserve wildlife, and restore biodiversity successfully.

As environmental challenges multiply globally, IUCN’s broad-based strategy remains crucial for delivering effective and scalable solutions. The organization is set to advance with a strong emphasis on action, aiming for significant achievements in safeguarding nature and fostering sustainable development.