Razan Al Mubarak chairs IUCN Council meeting in Switzerland

May 01, 2026 / 1:37 PM

Sharjah24/WAM: 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, chaired the 117th IUCN Council meeting in Gland, Switzerland, marking a new phase in global efforts to protect biodiversity and address species loss.

Follow-up to Abu Dhabi Congress outcomes

The meeting follows the World Conservation Congress hosted in Abu Dhabi in October 2025, which produced the “Abu Dhabi Call for Action,” a 20-year strategic vision, and a 2026–2029 work programme. It also reaffirmed Al Mubarak’s leadership for a second term as IUCN President.

Focus on implementation and measurable impact

The Council emphasised turning global commitments into action, identifying priorities, improving monitoring systems, and ensuring early-impact conservation results under the new work programme.

Strengthening governance and accountability

Members approved updated committee structures responsible for programme delivery, financial oversight, and governance, aiming to improve transparency and effectiveness amid increasing environmental pressures.

Call for integrated global action

Al Mubarak highlighted the link between biodiversity loss, economic resilience, food systems, development, peace, and security, stressing the need for an integrated approach combining science, policy, and implementation.

IUCN’s role in global conservation

Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar said the organisation is transitioning from commitments to execution, leveraging its global scientific network to translate conservation priorities into practical outcomes.

Support for countries and partners

The Council discussed expanding access to science-based tools, data, and guidance to help countries and partners accelerate ecosystem protection, species conservation, and biodiversity restoration.

About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world’s oldest and largest environmental network, bringing together more than 1,600 member organisations and over 18,000 experts focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource use.