Are you a young leader working to protect nature? The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi is calling youth changemakers from around the world. This fully funded program will bring together inspiring young people who are developing smart, sustainable solutions to global challenges. If you’re making a difference in your community, this is your chance to shine on a global stage.
The IUCN Changemakers Program is searching for youth aged 18 to 35 who are driving action in biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. Selected participants will attend the 2025 Congress, where they’ll meet global leaders, share ideas, and promote real-world change. This opportunity is perfect for young innovators looking to scale their work and influence top decision-makers from government, business, and civil society.
Changemakers will receive delegate access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress, along with paid travel, meals, and accommodation in Abu Dhabi. They’ll get the unique chance to pitch their ideas to global leaders in English, French, or Spanish. The Congress will cover five key themes, including equity in conservation, climate resilience, and nature-positive economies, offering a platform for voices that are often unheard to create lasting impact.
This is more than just a conference—it’s a movement for a nature-positive future. IUCN especially welcomes youth from the Global South, indigenous communities, minority groups, and female innovators to apply. If you’re working on a solution that uplifts your community while protecting the planet, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become part of the world’s largest conservation gathering.
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi:
Host Country:
- United Arab Emirates
IUCN Program Location:
- Abu Dhabi
Event Dates:
- 9-15 October
IUCN Congress Themes:
- Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action
- Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks
- Delivering on Equity
- Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies
- Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation
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Benefits of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025:
- Free entry to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi as a delegate.
- A special chance to present your environmental project to world leaders in English, French, or Spanish.
- Meet and connect with top experts, decision-makers, and organizations working in nature conservation.
- Free travel and hotel stay in Abu Dhabi, all sponsored by the program.
- Meals and other daily expenses will be fully covered during your time at the event.
Eligibility Criteria of the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi:
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- You should have experience leading or working on smart and creative environmental projects.
- Your work should focus on topics like nature protection, biodiversity, climate change, or sustainable development.
- You should currently be working on a project that fits with one or more of the Congress themes.
- Projects that support fairness, inclusion, teamwork across generations, or human rights are highly encouraged.
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How to apply for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025:
- Click on the Apply Now button below to proceed to the online application.
- Go through all the questions in the form before you start filling it
- You’ll be asked about your project, your motivation, and how your work connects with the Congress themes
- Prepare your answers in a separate document because the form cannot be saved once started
- Record a short video introducing yourself and explaining why you want to join the Congress
- Once everything is ready, complete and submit the application in one go
- You can enter test answers to explore the form before submitting your final application
