Nairobi, Kenya – Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered a keynote speech at the Africa Conservation Forum, a significant event organized by the National Committee of IUCN Members in Kenya and the Government of Kenya. The forum, which began on Wednesday, 26 June, aims to shape Africa's public policy on nature conservation in preparation for the World Conservation Congress 2025, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing an audience of over 500 representatives from IUCN constituents, Al Mubarak highlighted the critical role of Africa in global conservation efforts. “As one of nine regional conservation forums, this event sets the stage for the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in 2025,” said Al Mubarak. “Africa is crucial to global efforts to preserve nature, adapt to climate change, and create a just world that values nature.”
Al Mubarak emphasized the importance of inclusive efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. She called for the integration of local community knowledge and indigenous practices in these efforts, praising Africa's leadership in implementing just and equitable solutions to climate and nature challenges. “In Africa, we see how indigenous practices and local stewardship lead to sustainable results,” she noted. “IUCN promotes these inclusive and transformative approaches, recognizing that true sustainability comes from respecting and utilizing the wisdom of those closest to the land.”
The Africa Conservation Forum is a vital gathering that connects key biodiversity stakeholders – including public bodies, scientists, activists, and international and regional organizations – to encourage knowledge sharing across sectors and regions. Held every four years, these regional forums are designed to empower local action and support the implementation of conservation solutions on the ground.
“IUCN is often seen as a large global organization; however, our aim is to empower action on the local level and support the implementation of conservation solutions on the ground,” Al Mubarak stated. “Regional Conservation Forums gather our union together at a regional level: members, commissions, national and regional committees, regional councillors, and secretariat staff. All these constituents have the opportunity to interact and build connections, to better understand the Union they are part of, and shape its future.”
For the first time, the Africa Conservation Forum unites all three IUCN subregions in Africa. This forum is one of nine regional fora that IUCN is organizing over the next seven months, leading up to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. During these forums, IUCN constituents will receive guidance on submitting motions that can become IUCN resolutions and provide input into the forthcoming IUCN Programme for the next four-year period and the IUCN 20-year strategy.
“The 20-year strategy is designed to help the organization tackle the challenges of the next two decades, challenges which are essential to the well-being of humanity,” Al Mubarak concluded. “Our strategic aim is to help the IUCN take its place on the global stage as a leading authority on the conservation of nature and the intersection between conservation efforts and climate action.”
The Africa Conservation Forum marks a significant step in preparing for the World Conservation Congress 2025, reinforcing Africa's pivotal role in global conservation efforts and the IUCN's commitment to fostering sustainable practices worldwide.
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