Razan Al Mubarak Champions First 20-Year IUCN Strategic Vision at US Regional Conservation Forum

IUCN USA Regional Conservation Forum

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (20 August 2024) — Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently led the opening remarks at the IUCN USA Regional Conservation Forum in Washington, DC. The event, hosted at Conservation International in Arlington, brought together US-based IUCN members and partners to discuss the future of conservation and prepare for the upcoming 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.

Ms. Al Mubarak highlighted the importance of addressing complex environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and desertification, through a holistic approach. She emphasized the role of IUCN members in this global effort and introduced for comment and feedback the draft 20-year IUCN Strategic Vision aimed at strengthening IUCN’s future impact.

The forum's agenda included refining the 2026-2029 IUCN Programme of Work and gathering input for the IUCN 20-year Vision. With the US representing the largest constituency of IUCN members, the discussions held at the forum are an important step in shaping IUCN's strategic directions and operational focus.

Preparations for the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi are ongoing and Ms. Al Mubarak urged all stakeholders to engage actively in finalizing the strategic documents that will guide IUCN’s efforts in the coming decades. This collaboration underscores the need for innovative and inclusive strategies to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Empowering Indigenous Guardians for Climate and Nature

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

A new editorial by Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, and Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, published by Thomson Reuters on August 9, highlights the vital role Indigenous Peoples play in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Representing only 5% of the world's population, Indigenous communities manage nearly half of the planet’s lands and forests, home to 80% of global biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices offer invaluable insights into building a more sustainable future.

Despite their contributions, Indigenous Peoples face numerous threats from external pressures like agriculture and mining, compounded by a lack of financial support. Alarmingly, less than 1% of climate finance currently reaches these communities. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is addressing this gap by investing $4 billion across 80 countries to empower Indigenous Peoples, with an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group ensuring these funds are used effectively.

In honor of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Duarte and Al Mubarak urge global actors to increase support for Indigenous communities and incorporate their wisdom into climate strategies. A new global study, supported by the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation, aims to document Indigenous contributions to climate action, reinforcing the case for enhanced financial backing. As custodians of our planet, Indigenous Peoples must be integral partners in our shared journey toward sustainability.

Read the editorial by Mafalda Duarte and Razan Al Mubarak at Context.

Razan Al Mubarak Advocates for United Climate Action with Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

On the 42nd International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and IUCN President, has released a video that celebrates the collaborative achievements with Indigenous communities in our global climate efforts.

In the video, Al Mubarak highlights the essential roles of Indigenous Peoples recognized at COP28 in driving us closer to the goals of the Paris Agreement. She stresses that much remains to be done to ensure that support for Indigenous communities is not only sustained but also enhanced. This includes ensuring equitable access to climate and nature finance and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples comprehensively.

Ms. Al Mubarak calls for a collective strengthening of mechanisms to channel resources effectively to Indigenous communities, celebrating initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund which aims to provide direct financial access to frontline communities.

The video serves as a reminder that our efforts to preserve the planet are most effective when they are inclusive and respectful of all voices, especially those who have been guardians of nature for generations.

Watch the full video on LinkedIn.