The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 will be held from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Congress will bring together key stakeholders from around the world, including governments, scientists, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and the private sector, to set global priorities for conservation and sustainable development. This event is crucial for shaping the global environmental agenda for the next decade, aligning with international climate and biodiversity goals such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement and UN frameworks.
Key components of the Congress include:
The Forum: A space for knowledge-sharing and policy dialogues where participants discuss and exchange ideas on global environmental issues.
The Exhibition: A public venue for showcasing innovative projects and conservation solutions from around the world.
The Members’ Assembly: Where IUCN Members come together to vote on motions and determine policy directions for the future of conservation.
The main themes of the 2025 Congress will focus on:
Scaling up resilient conservation action
Reducing climate overshoot risks
Promoting equity and justice
Enabling nature-positive economies
Driving innovation and leadership in conservation
In addition, the Congress will emphasize event sustainability, working towards ISO 20121 certification, and offer a special youth engagement initiative through the Call for Changemakers, inviting young leaders (ages 18–35) to present innovative environmental solutions.
With both in-person and virtual participation options, the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 will be an inclusive and impactful platform for driving urgent global action for nature and sustainable development.