Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak Re-Elected as President of IUCN for a Second Term: A Milestone for Global Conservation Leadership

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak Re-Elected as President of IUCN for a Second Term: A Milestone for Global Conservation Leadership

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been re-elected for a second term during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her re-election marks a historic moment Al Mubarak remains the first president from West Asia and only the second woman to lead the IUCN in its 77-year history.

A Global Vote of Confidence in Al Mubarak’s Leadership

The announcement came during the IUCN Members’ Assembly, where over 1,400 member organisations from 160 countries voted in favour of Al Mubarak’s continued leadership. Her first term was defined by stronger governance, renewed trust, and a global elevation of nature in climate and biodiversity discussions.

The IUCN, often referred to as the world’s largest and oldest environmental network, brings together governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and conservation experts to promote sustainable use of natural resources and protect the planet’s biodiversity.

Comprising 19,000 conservation specialists and 1,400 member organisations, IUCN plays a vital role in shaping international conservation policy, advising governments, and monitoring the state of the natural world.

Driving the Next Decade for Nature and Climate Action

Al Mubarak’s re-election comes as IUCN embarks on a new four-year Programme of Work (2025–2029) the final stretch before the 2030 global targets for biodiversity restoration, climate action, and land rehabilitation.

Under her renewed leadership, IUCN aims to translate environmental ambition into measurable outcomes, ensuring that nature, climate, and people are interconnected in global decision-making.

“Thanks to her passionate, innovative, and decisive leadership, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund has become a global model, showing that small but focused interventions can make a big difference,” said Mohamed Al Bowardi, Deputy Chairman of the MBZ Fund.

“We know she will continue to bring the same sense of commitment, creativity, and collaboration to IUCN during this crucial decade for conservation.”

Al Mubarak’s Vision for the Future of Conservation

Reacting to her re-election, Razan Al Mubarak expressed gratitude and determination:

“I am truly honoured to have been re-elected President of the IUCN, especially at a time when nature, climate, and people must be brought together in action. Over the past four years, I have witnessed the extraordinary strength of our Union our Members, Commissions, and partners working together across boundaries and disciplines.

This new mandate is both a privilege and a responsibility to continue turning ambition into action for nature and for humanity.”

Her remarks underline a growing global recognition that conservation and climate action must go hand in hand a vision she has championed throughout her career.

From the UAE to the World: A Trailblazer in Conservation

Al Mubarak’s journey in conservation began in 2001, when she co-founded Emirates Nature – WWF, a national NGO partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature. During her tenure, she led groundbreaking projects to protect coral reefs, establish the UAE’s first mountain national park, and develop frameworks to safeguard sea turtles and biodiversity hotspots.

In 2010, she became the youngest person to head an Abu Dhabi government agency when appointed Secretary-General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). Today, she serves as Managing Director of EAD, where she oversees more than 1,000 employees. Under her leadership, EAD successfully reintroduced the Arabian Oryx in the UAE and the Scimitar-horned Oryx in Chad two iconic conservation successes.

Global Conservation Impact: The MBZ Fund Legacy

One of Al Mubarak’s most transformative contributions is her leadership of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund). Since its establishment in 2009, the Fund has supported over 3,100 projects worldwide, helping to protect more than 1,900 endangered species through direct conservation grants.

The MBZ Fund has evolved under her guidance into one of the world’s largest philanthropic endowments dedicated to species protection — bridging conservation, community development, and sustainability.

Championing Nature on the Global Stage

Beyond her work with IUCN and the MBZ Fund, Razan Al Mubarak has held several high-impact international roles. She serves as:

UAE Sherpa to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
Nature Champion at the World Economic Forum (WEF)
Former UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE

Her COP28 leadership helped integrate nature-based solutions into climate negotiations, reinforcing the idea that biodiversity protection is central to combating climate change.

Education and Global Influence

Al Mubarak holds an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from University College London (UCL) and a BA (Hons) in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University, USA.

She also serves on the boards of leading global conservation organisations, including Panthera, Re:wild, and the Tropical Forests Forever Facility.

A Defining Moment for Global Conservation

As the IUCN enters the critical decade leading to 2030, Al Mubarak’s re-election signals global confidence in her ability to drive unity, innovation, and measurable progress in protecting nature.

Her leadership continues to bridge regions, disciplines, and generations — proving that effective conservation requires vision, collaboration, and unwavering dedication.