IUCN World Congress 2025: A Turning Point for Nature and Humanity

Table of Contents

The IUCN World Conservation Congress (also called the IUCN Congress) is the preeminent global forum for conservation and environmental governance. Hosted every four years by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Congress brings together governments, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples, scientists, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate on priorities for nature, biodiversity and sustainable development.

The Congress has three integrated components

The Forum, which is an open platform for debates, high-level dialogues, workshops, and capacity building.
The Members’ Assembly, the Union’s highest decision-making body, where motions are proposed, debated, and adopted as resolutions to guide global conservation strategy.
The Exhibition, where member organizations, institutions, businesses, and partners showcase innovations, research and field projects.

Through these components, IUCN ensures that science, policy, community voices, and innovation come together to drive meaningful global action.

When and Where: Abu Dhabi, 9–15 October 2025

Dates: 9 to 15 October 2025
Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ADNEC is one of the largest event venues in the Middle East and is powered by clean energy.
The UAE was selected through IUCN’s host country selection process and is co-hosting the Congress with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

At the opening ceremony held 9 October 2025, global leaders and conservation luminaries underscored the urgency of collective action to safeguard biodiversity. By combining ambition, scientific guidance, and inclusive participation, the Congress aims to restate the central place of nature in global development.

Key Themes & Focus Areas

The 2025 Congress is structured around several overarching themes that reflect the complexities of global environmental challenges. Some of the prominent themes include:

Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action
How to expand conservation efforts that can endure climate stress, human pressures, and ecosystem changes.
Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks
Integrating nature-based solutions, adaptation, and mitigation to keep global warming and biodiversity loss within manageable bounds.
Delivering on Equity
Centering justice, the rights of Indigenous and local communities, youth, women, and historically marginalized voices in conservation decisions.
Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies
Reimagining economic models so that they regenerate ecosystems, rather than deplete them. o
Disruptive Innovation & Leadership for Conservation
Encouraging breakthroughs in technology, policy, governance, and partnerships to accelerate conservation impact.

In addition, various specialized tracks will be covered: business and finance sessions (e.g. a Business Summit on 10–11 October); the ForCoral Pavilion (9–13 October) focusing on coral reef innovation and partnerships; and explorations of nature data and disclosure in collaboration with TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures).

Participation & Registration

The Congress expects more than 10,000 participants (in person and virtual) from across sectors and geographies.
Over 1,400 member organizations of IUCN will take part, contributing to debates and motion processes.
Registration is open for both in-person and virtual attendance.
- In-person registration grants full access to Forum sessions, exhibition, opening/closing ceremonies, social events, excursions, and participation in the Members’ Assembly.
- Virtual registration provides streaming access to Forum sessions, exhibitions, and the Assembly (recordings available until 15 January 2026).
Registration fees depend on participant category (IUCN members, youth, standard, country income level).
Discounts and lower rates apply for participants from low- and middle-income countries, youth, and members.

For young innovators, there is a “Call for Changemakers” initiative: individuals aged 18–35 with impactful environmental projects may be selected to present their work and network at the Congress.

What to Expect: Highlights & Outcomes

1. Motions & Global Decisions

During the Members’ Assembly, delegates will debate and vote on draft motions. Once adopted, these become Resolutions and Recommendations guiding IUCN’s global programs and influencing policy.
In 2025, more than 40 motions are on the agenda for debate.

2. Knowledge Exchange & Innovation

The Forum will host high-level dialogues, workshops, training sessions, and side events to share success stories, best practices, and fresh ideas across conservation.
The Exhibition will showcase pioneering technologies, tools, research, and community initiatives.

3. Private Sector & Finance Engagement

The Business Summit will bring in the perspectives and solutions of the private sector to strengthen nature-aligned investment and business models.
Sessions will address nature data, metrics, disclosure, and finance mechanisms.

4. Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

The Congress will host an Indigenous Peoples’ Summit, youth forums, and side events designed to ensure diverse voices are present in shaping conservation policy.

5. Launches, Reports & Awards

Expect the release of new versions of the IUCN Red List, updates to conservation standards, and new assessments tied to global biodiversity frameworks.
Conservation awards such as the Coolidge Medal and Ranger Awards will be conferred.
New policy platforms, partnerships, and commitments are anticipated to emerge as a key legacy of the Congress.

Significance & Why It Matters

The 2025 IUCN Congress comes at a critical moment: we are in the midst of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and working toward the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
It offers a rare opportunity for alignment across sectors — science, policy, finance, communities — to address nature loss, climate change, and sustainable development in an integrated way.
For hosting countries like the UAE, it showcases their environmental ambitions and stewardship model, while providing a platform to highlight local conservation success stories.
The decisions made and commitments formed at the Congress can ripple globally over the next decade, influencing national policies, funding priorities, and on-the-ground conservation outcomes.