Empowering Young Environmental Leaders to Shape a Sustainable Future
📍 Location:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
📅 Dates:
October 9–15, 2025
🌍 Overview
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) invites passionate young environmental leaders to apply for the Call for Changemakers program at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. This fully funded initiative offers a platform for emerging changemakers to present innovative solutions addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development challenges.
🎯 Program Highlights
- Global Platform: Present your environmental initiatives to an international audience of policymakers, scientists, and conservationists.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers and established leaders in the field of conservation.
- Capacity Building: Participate in workshops and sessions designed to enhance your leadership and project implementation skills.
- Cultural Exchange: Engage with diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching your global understanding of environmental issues.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Congress.
- Demonstrate leadership and experience in developing or implementing innovative solutions in nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, or sustainable development.
- Be actively working on a project that aligns with one or more of the Congress themes.
- Be proficient in English, French, or Spanish.
Note: Exceptional candidates over 35 may be considered. Applicants under 18 at the time of the Congress are not eligible.
🌐 Congress Themes
- Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action: Enhancing conservation efforts through science, traditional knowledge, and community empowerment.
- Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks: Implementing strategies to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
- Delivering on Equity: Ensuring inclusive conservation efforts centered on indigenous peoples, women, youth, and local communities.
- Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies: Shifting towards regenerative economic models that restore ecosystems.
- Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation: Driving systemic change through bold leadership and innovative governance models.
💼 Benefits
Selected Changemakers will receive:
- Full access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025.
- Travel and accommodation expenses covered for the duration of the Congress.
- Meals and daily allowances during the stay in Abu Dhabi.
- Opportunities to showcase their projects and engage with global leaders.
📝 Application Process
- Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
- Applicants are required to complete an online form detailing their project and motivation.
- A short video personal statement is also part of the application.
📅 Application Deadline
April 27, 2025
🔗 Apply Now
To apply for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 – Call for Changemakers, please visit the official application page:
