Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered a keynote speech at the Africa Conservation Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organized by the National Committee of IUCN Members in Kenya and the Government of Kenya, the event which commenced Wednesday (26 June), is designed to shape Africa public policy toward nature conservation in the lead up to the World Conservation Congress 2025, set to take place in Abu Dhabi.

Ms. Al Mubarak addressed an audience which included more than 500 representatives of IUCN constituents.

“As one of nine regional conservation forums, this event sets the stage for the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in 2025,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “Africa is crucial to global efforts to preserve nature, adapt to climate change, and create a just world that values nature.”

According to Ms. Al Mubarak, the efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and reach net-zero levels of greenhouse emissions should be inclusive, incorporating the knowledge of local communities and indigenous knowledge. Africa is already demonstrating leadership in the effort to implement just and equitable solutions that address both the climate and nature challenges, with people’s well being and progress as a prerequisite for success,” she said.

“In Africa, we see how indigenous practices and local stewardship lead to sustainable results,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “IUCN promotes these inclusive and transformative approaches, recognizing that true sustainability comes from respecting and utilizing the wisdom of those closest to the land.”

Held every four years, the IUCN regional forums connect key biodiversity stakeholders – public bodies, scientists, activists, and international and regional organizations – in a bid to encourage knowledge sharing across sectors and regions.

“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,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “Regional Conservation Forums gather our union together at a regional level: members, commissions, national and regional committees, regional councilors 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 combines all three IUCN sub-regions in Africa. The event is one of nine regional fora which the IUCN is holding over the coming seven months in preparation for the world’s largest conservation event, the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi in October next year. IUCN constituents will receive information on how to submit motions which ultimately can become IUCN resolutions. Participants can also provide input to 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 wellbeing of humanity,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “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.”