The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 is inviting applications from young innovators, minority groups, indigenous peoples, local communities, and young female leaders working on environmental conservation and sustainability. This fully funded program will provide selected changemakers with a platform to showcase their solutions for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This prestigious event brings together world leaders, policymakers, business executives, and conservation experts to drive action for a nature-positive future. Selected participants will pitch their innovative projects, network with global decision-makers, and gain international exposure for their impactful work.

About IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

• IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network which was founded in 1948. 
• Comprises over 1,400 member organizations and 16,000 experts worldwide
• Recognized as the global authority on biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sustainability
• Plays a key role in shaping international agreements like CITES, the World Heritage Convention, and the Ramsar Convention
• IUCN facilitates solutions for governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities to tackle global conservation challenges

Why Should You Apply?

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest global gathering focused on conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy. The event provides a powerful platform for young leaders and professionals to:

• Showcase groundbreaking conservation projects to international decision-makers
• Engage with policymakers, scientists, and corporate leaders to drive meaningful change
• Explore funding, collaboration, and partnership opportunities with influential organizations
• Contribute to shaping global environmental policies through interactive forums and discussions

Key Themes of IUCN Congress 2025

Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action

• Strengthening conservation through science, indigenous knowledge, and community engagement
• Expanding initiatives to protect biodiversity in the face of climate change

Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks

• Implementing emission reduction strategies to mitigate climate disasters
• Enhancing resilience through nature-based solutions

Delivering on Equity

• Ensuring conservation efforts are inclusive of indigenous peoples, women, youth, and local communities
• Promoting fair and just environmental policies worldwide

Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies

• Encouraging sustainable business models that restore ecosystems
• Driving policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection

Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation

• Supporting bold leadership and cutting-edge technologies in conservation
• Encouraging new governance models for systemic environmental change

Overview of IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

• Organization hosting the conference: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Conference Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Date of Conference: October 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
• Funding: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: April 27, 2025

Benefits of Congress

You’ll avail yourself of the following benefits by attending IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers 2025:

• Fully funded delegate access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
• Travel sponsorship covering round-trip airfare to Abu Dhabi
• Accommodation and meal expenses will be covered for the whole duration of the event
• Exclusive opportunity to pitch environmental action projects to global leaders in English, French, or Spanish
• Networking opportunities with leading conservationists, policymakers, business leaders, and experts
• Participate in high-impact discussions and panels on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for One Young World IUCN Changemakers Congress 2025, fulfil the following requirements:

• Open to young innovators, minority groups, indigenous peoples, local communities, and young female leaders
• Must be actively working on conservation, sustainability, or environmental innovation
• Applicants over 35 years old may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact
• Applicants must be 18 or older at the time of the conference (those under 18 are not eligible)
• Must be able to present their project in English, French, or Spanish

Application Process

For IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 registration, follow the given steps:

• IUCN will select the final Changemakers from a shortlist created by One Young World
• Applicants must complete an online application form with details about their project and motivation
• A short video personal statement is required as part of the application
• Applications cannot be saved before submission, so candidates should prepare responses offline before applying

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can apply in their preferred language using the links below:

• Apply in English.
• Apply in French.
• Apply in Spanish.

If you are a passionate changemaker dedicated to conservation and sustainability, don’t miss this fully funded opportunity to attend the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. APPLY NOW before April 27, 2025, and take your environmental leadership to the next level!

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