An exciting opportunity for young leaders and change makers from all over the world, leading the way in nature conservation and sustainability, to apply for The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, which takes place from October 9 to October 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is organizing the World Conservation Congress 2025 in partnership with One Young World. It is funded by IUCN and its partners, including governments, private sector organizations, and civil society groups that support conservation and sustainability efforts.
About IUCN
About the IUCN World Conservation Congress
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the world's largest gathering of conservationists, policymakers, business leaders, and scientists, coming together to drive action for nature. The conference provides a platform for bold commitments, innovative solutions, and cross-sector partnerships to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
The World Conservation Congress 2025 shines a spotlight on young innovators and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for them to connect with global leaders, exchange ideas and collaborate on groundbreaking solutions that drive transformational change for nature and people.
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 themes
IUCN 2025 will address five key themes to drive bold and transformative change for a sustainable future:
- Scaling up Resilient Conservation Action: Scaling up conservation efforts through science and traditional knowledge, and empowering local communities to ensure biodiversity thrives in a changing climate.
- Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks: Implement deep emissions reductions, adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
- Delivering on Equity: Ensure that conservation efforts are equitable, inclusive, and focused on indigenous peoples, women, youth, and local communities.
- Transition to nature-positive Economies and Societies: Shift from extractive economic models to regenerative economic models that restore ecosystems and sustain livelihoods.
- Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation: Challenging the status quo through bold, inclusive leadership, new technologies, and innovative governance models to drive systemic change in conservation.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply to be a Changemaker at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 if you:
- Aged between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing innovative solutions and cutting-edge environmental action projects in nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and/or sustainable development.
- Currently working on an innovative solution or environmental action project that aligns with one or more of the IUCN Congress themes.
- Candidates with initiatives that foster equality, inclusivity, intergenerational collaboration, and/or adopt a rights-based approach in their design and implementation are encouraged to apply.
Note: Applications are open for candidates from all over the world, especially young people from the Global South as well as young people from minorities, indigenous peoples, local communities, young women leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Expenses and Benefits
Selected change makers will get:
- Sponsored travel and accommodation in Abu Dhabi, UAE during the Congress days
- Meals and other personal expenses during the stay in Abu Dhabi will be covered.
- Delegate access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
- Exclusive opportunity to pitch your innovative environmental project (in English, French, or Spanish) to global leaders
- Networking opportunities with leading conservationists, policymakers, and businesses onsite
How to get selected?
To improve your chances of being selected as a Changemaker for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, focus on the following:
- Showcase a project or solution that’s truly unique, impactful, and addresses a pressing issue in conservation, biodiversity, or climate change.
- Share your role in leading or co-leading the initiatives since they’re looking for changemakers, not just participants.
- Make sure your project clearly connects to one or more of the Congress themes (like nature-positive economies, equity, or climate resilience).
- Share how your work has made a difference in your community and why it matters now more than ever.
- If your project empowers youth, women, Indigenous communities, or other underrepresented groups, emphasize it!
- Keep your application concise, structured, and persuasive in English, French, or Spanish.
Timeline
Application deadline: 27 April 2025
Start date: 9 October 2025
End date: 15 October 2025
How to apply?
Step 1: Visit the official application page on "One Young World" or IUCN's website from HERE.
Step 2: Complete the application form in English, French, or Spanish.
Step 3: Provide details about your innovative environmental project, leadership experience, and impact.
Step 4: Submit your application before April 27, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Yes, travel, accommodation, meals, and local transport are covered.
- No! You can apply in English, French, or Spanish.
- Yes, if eligible.
More Details
For more INFORMATION about the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 scholarship program for change makers, check the "One Young World" website HERE
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