UAE Hosts First Nature Guardians Majlis at UN in New York

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UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment recently held an important international meeting called the Nature Guardians Majlis in New York. This event took place on the side of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing global attention to urgent environmental issues. The Majlis introduced the Emirati style of dialogue, which is called a “majlis,” to the heart of international diplomacy, offering a space for leaders and experts to discuss solutions for nature and climate challenges.

The Majlis brought together ministers, ambassadors, nature envoys, and representatives from international organisations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The aim was to talk about urgent problems like climate change and loss of biodiversity and to create collaborative strategies before the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, which will be held in Abu Dhabi next month.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, opened the Majlis by highlighting the UAE’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and working with other nations. She said that the UAE’s long history of environmental care and innovative actions makes it a leader in global conservation. She also stressed that the upcoming IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi will be an important platform to boost global efforts for conservation, encouraging cooperation, and turning ambitious goals into real actions.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the need to bridge the gap between ambition and action in conservation efforts. She said that while challenges exist, it is still possible to protect the planet. By working together, countries can create real solutions that ensure a healthy and thriving environment for both people and nature.

Following her speech, Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, spoke about the value of the Union and the importance of the upcoming Congress. She explained that the event in Abu Dhabi will help countries raise their goals and take strong, practical actions to address the needs of both nature and humans. She added that the world must act together as a single community to secure a sustainable future.

The Majlis also included speeches from representatives of Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and the United Nations, showing diverse perspectives on environmental issues. After these preselected talks, the Majlis opened the floor to all participants, allowing an interactive discussion where everyone could share ideas. The session was guided by Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communications at the Ministry, who ensured the conversation remained open, honest, and constructive.

During the discussions, participants shared innovative solutions and examples of leadership that could inspire a more nature-positive world. The Majlis highlighted the importance of partnerships, equity, resilience, and science-based approaches in tackling climate and biodiversity crises.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Al Dahak thanked everyone for their contributions and emphasized the UAE’s commitment to continuing these partnerships. She expressed excitement for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where the ideas and discussions from New York will be turned into real, actionable commitments to protect nature.

The Nature Guardians Majlis in New York not only created new connections and networks but also laid a strong foundation for global collaboration in conservation. The insights and agreements from this event are expected to shape the agenda for the upcoming IUCN Congress, ensuring that countries work together to protect biodiversity, reduce climate risks, and build a greener future for generations to come.

This initiative reflects the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in environmental protection and demonstrates how the country is using diplomacy and innovation to tackle urgent global challenges. By hosting this Majlis, the UAE has shown that meaningful dialogue and partnerships can turn environmental ideas into real solutions.

UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment recently held an important international meeting called the Nature Guardians Majlis in New York. This event took place on the side of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), bringing global attention to urgent environmental issues. The Majlis introduced the Emirati style of dialogue, which is called a “majlis,” to the heart of international diplomacy, offering a space for leaders and experts to discuss solutions for nature and climate challenges.

The Majlis brought together ministers, ambassadors, nature envoys, and representatives from international organisations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The aim was to talk about urgent problems like climate change and loss of biodiversity and to create collaborative strategies before the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, which will be held in Abu Dhabi next month.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, opened the Majlis by highlighting the UAE’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and working with other nations. She said that the UAE’s long history of environmental care and innovative actions makes it a leader in global conservation. She also stressed that the upcoming IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi will be an important platform to boost global efforts for conservation, encouraging cooperation, and turning ambitious goals into real actions.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the need to bridge the gap between ambition and action in conservation efforts. She said that while challenges exist, it is still possible to protect the planet. By working together, countries can create real solutions that ensure a healthy and thriving environment for both people and nature.

Following her speech, Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, spoke about the value of the Union and the importance of the upcoming Congress. She explained that the event in Abu Dhabi will help countries raise their goals and take strong, practical actions to address the needs of both nature and humans. She added that the world must act together as a single community to secure a sustainable future.

The Majlis also included speeches from representatives of Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and the United Nations, showing diverse perspectives on environmental issues. After these preselected talks, the Majlis opened the floor to all participants, allowing an interactive discussion where everyone could share ideas. The session was guided by Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communications at the Ministry, who ensured the conversation remained open, honest, and constructive.

During the discussions, participants shared innovative solutions and examples of leadership that could inspire a more nature-positive world. The Majlis highlighted the importance of partnerships, equity, resilience, and science-based approaches in tackling climate and biodiversity crises.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Al Dahak thanked everyone for their contributions and emphasized the UAE’s commitment to continuing these partnerships. She expressed excitement for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where the ideas and discussions from New York will be turned into real, actionable commitments to protect nature.

The Nature Guardians Majlis in New York not only created new connections and networks but also laid a strong foundation for global collaboration in conservation. The insights and agreements from this event are expected to shape the agenda for the upcoming IUCN Congress, ensuring that countries work together to protect biodiversity, reduce climate risks, and build a greener future for generations to come.

This initiative reflects the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in environmental protection and demonstrates how the country is using diplomacy and innovation to tackle urgent global challenges. By hosting this Majlis, the UAE has shown that meaningful dialogue and partnerships can turn environmental ideas into real solutions.

UAE, Nature Guardians Majlis, UNGA 80, IUCN, biodiversity, climate change, global conservation, environmental partnerships, Abu Dhabi 2025