Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially endorsed the nomination of Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak for a second term as President, following approval by election officials and members of the IUCN during its 113th council meeting held in Gland, Switzerland.
Al Mubarak’s nomination was proposed by IUCN members, with the election scheduled to take place during the IUCN World Conservation Congress to be hosted in Abu Dhabi from 9th to 15th October this year.
Razan Al Mubarak was first elected President of the IUCN in 2021, becoming the second woman in the Union’s 75-year history to assume the presidency, and the first President from West Asia.
During her first term, she worked alongside IUCN members, council and secretariat to set the organisation’s 20-year strategic vision, while contributing to the development of the 2026-2029 work programme, which features initiatives that align conservation priorities with global environmental, social and economic objectives.
If elected for a second term, Al Mubarak will focus on translating this vision into measurable and tangible outcomes by strengthening member engagement and ensuring that biodiversity and nature-based solutions remain central to global decision-making processes.
Commenting on her nomination, Al Mubarak said, "It is an honour to serve as President of the IUCN, especially at a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. The Union plays a critical role in bridging science, policy and people to safeguard nature.”
She reaffirmed her full commitment to leading the Union with independence, credibility, transparency and efficiency.
In addition to her role as IUCN President, Razan Al Mubarak serves as the Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates Nature-WWF, in addition to being the UAE President's Representative to the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Throughout her career, Al Mubarak has played a central role both nationally and internationally in advancing nature-based solutions and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration in environmental conservation.
The IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network, comprising more than 1,400 member organisations and over 16,000 experts. It is widely recognised for its scientific authority, influence on international policy, and leadership in shaping conservation priorities and promoting nature-based solutions globally.
