Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed witnesses the opening of the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 9 October / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, opened the activities of the “World Conservation Congress 2025”, which is organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Abu Dhabi for the first time in the Arabian Gulf region, under the slogan “Enhancing qualitative efforts to preserve nature.”
On the occasion of the launch of the World Conservation Conference, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that protecting the environment represents a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive development process of the UAE, which has established a pioneering model in preserving nature and sustaining its resources.
His Highness added that the UAE has a long track record in the field of nature conservation, embodied in its initiatives aimed at rehabilitating ecosystems, preserving endangered species, and expanding the area of ​​natural reserves, which now cover more than 15% of its total area.
His Highness pointed out that the wise leadership places sustainability at the core of its vision for the future, realizing that achieving environmental balance and preserving natural resources represents the basis for balanced development that guarantees the well-being of future generations.
The opening of the conference witnessed the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; Her Excellency Sarah Awad Muslim, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, CEO and Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Zayed Fund for Nature Conservation – Presidential Office; And Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.
The opening day of the conference was also attended by a number of leaders and officials of global environmental action, most notably His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection; His Highness Prince Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Regent of the Malaysian State of Pahang; Dr. Sylvia Earle, IUCN Nature Conservator and founder of the Mission Blue Initiative; His Excellency Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment of Panama; Elizabeth Maroma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme; Dr. Musonda Mmba, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The UAE’s hosting of this international event embodies its pioneering role as a major supporter of international cooperation, innovation and balance in the field of environmental work. These efforts come within the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which aims to promote solutions based on protecting nature, restoring ecosystems, and protecting endangered species, such as the Arabian oryx and the African oryx “Abu Hareb.” These efforts reflect concern for preserving the environment and commitment to preserving natural heritage for future generations.
At the international level, the UAE continues to support global initiatives in spreading nature-based solutions, protecting rivers and oceans from pollution, enhancing biodiversity, and other efforts to increase renewable energy capabilities, enhance global food and water security, and support the innovation of sustainable environmental solutions in various parts of the world.

The UAE’s leadership – through hosting major environmental events and events and establishing international partnerships – is reflected in its efforts towards implementing the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and achieving the climate and environmental commitments set for the year 2030 by supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest diverse environmental network, bringing together governments, civil society and experts to formulate effective solutions to protect nature.

The conference, which is being held in Abu Dhabi – for the first time – constitutes a global platform for shaping environmental policies, enhancing international cooperation, and advancing progress towards a more sustainable future. The UAE’s hosting of this prestigious event also reflects its tireless efforts to enhance international cooperation and innovation in the field of environmental protection.

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