The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is leading a dynamic series of discussions and initiatives at the UAE Pavilion at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, underscoring the nation’s unwavering commitment to global biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Through these diverse engagements, the UAE Pavilion at IUCN World Conservation Congress continues to foster international cooperation, share best practices, and implement innovative solutions to protect our planet’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Since the IUCN World Conservation Congress began on October 9th, the UAE Pavilion has spearheaded crucial dialogues addressing some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
“The UAE Pavilion at the IUCN World Conservation Congress is a vibrant hub of dialogue and collaboration, reflecting the breadth and depth of our nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Our diverse programming, from accelerating regional biodiversity targets and showcasing groundbreaking species research to advancing marine conservation and fostering global partnerships, is not just highlighting our achievements but actively driving momentum for critical global conservation agendas. We are proud to facilitate discussions that translate ambition into tangible action, inspiring collective efforts for a nature-positive future.”
MoCCAE co-developed and hosted the “MENA Target 3 ‘Stock-take’ Dialogue,” a critical session assessing regional progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s ambitious 30×30 target. This dialogue convened government representatives, international organizations, and regional experts to evaluate progress, challenges, and opportunities in delivering Target 3 across the Middle East and North Africa.
Co-developed with the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC), the session marked a strategic milestone in the regional Target 3 process, drawing on national experiences, innovative policy solutions, and cross-border cooperation to identify priority actions and build momentum.
Image Supplied
A significant event of the day was the launch of the World Bank Report – “Continental Drying: A Threat to Our Common Future,” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in partnership with the UAE. The report detailed the escalating global water crisis, revealing a 324 billion cubic meter annual decline in freshwater reserves over two decades. It presented a three-pronged roadmap, demand management, supply augmentation, and improved water allocation, informing global preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-convened in the UAE.
Following this, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment presented “Framing the Global Freshwater Challenge for Arid and Water-Scarce Regions – UAE Focus.” As a founding member and co-lead of the Freshwater Challenge, the UAE showcased its practical actions in arid contexts, spotlighting achievements and new commitments in conserving and restoring freshwater and coastal wetlands through protected area designation, ecosystem restoration, and community engagement.
Image Supplied | Cropped by GBN
Concluding the sessions, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) introduced “An innovative approach to Environmental Knowledge Management,” unveiling the world’s first Environmental Knowledge Graph. This pioneering platform collates and organizes knowledge about Abu Dhabi’s environment, transforming it into a single, interactive source of truth to guide research, strengthen policies, and inspire innovative conservation action.
The UAE Pavilion will continue to host a diverse program of events and discussions until October 13, inviting global partners to explore collaborative solutions for a sustainable future.
