IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak Engages with ROWA Members and National Committees During her Visit to Jordan

Ms. Al Mubarak held a meeting with HRH Princess Basma bint Ali, a long-time advocate for biodiversity and sustainable land management in Jordan. Together, they discussed the Jordan Integrated Landscape Management Initiative (JILMI), highlighting its role in restoring and managing Jordan’s degraded landscapes through inclusive, community-driven approaches.

H.E. Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Jordan’s Minister of Environment, had the chance to meet with Ms. Al Mubarak to reflect on current national conservation efforts. The conversation emphasized the active role of IUCN Members in implementing nature-based solutions and environmental policy. 

At the IUCN ROWA office, Her Excellency was welcomed by Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director, and reviewed key achievements and challenges in the region’s environmental efforts. 

Following discussions at the ROWA office, Ms. Al Mubarak engaged with the IUCN Regional Councilors and the Chairs of the IUCN National Committees in the region. This meeting provided a platform for the chairs to share updates and strengthen regional collaboration.

IUCN ROWA also organized a small exhibition featuring traditional handmade products by local Jordanian women. The exhibition reflected IUCN ROWA’s dedication to gender inclusivity and community-based conservation.

Her Excellency held extensive meetings with IUCN ROWA members and regional partners to envision the region’s contribution to the Congress and continuing preparations. 

The upcoming Congress is expected to bring together governments, NGOs, scientists, and Indigenous groups to influence global conservation policies. Key features will include regional and thematic pavilions, high-level dialogues, knowledge-sharing events, and policy forums. 

Through its pavilion, IUCN ROWA will play a key role in highlighting West Asia’s contributions to nature conservation and sustainable development. 

Ms. Al Mubarak is deeply committed to ensuring that the Congress addresses pressing environmental challenges and sets a new standard for inclusivity and impact. This visit demonstrates her active efforts to elevate the voices of youth and local communities, recognizing their roles in shaping sustainable solutions. 

In September 2021, Razan Al Mubarak was elected President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), becoming the first person from West Asia and only the second woman to lead the organization in its 75-year history. A global leader in conservation and climate action, she brings over two decades of experience shaping environmental policy, advancing species conservation, and promoting nature-based climate solutions in the UAE and around the world.

She is the founding director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, which has supported more than 3,000 projects across nearly every country. She also serves as Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nature-WWF. On the international stage, she represents the UAE on the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and co-chairs the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.

“West Asia is home to a vibrant network of conservation leaders and institutions,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “This visit reaffirmed the region’s critical role in shaping solutions that connect nature, people, and resilience—and in contributing meaningfully to the success of the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi.,” said Ms. Al Mubarak.

Dr. Hany El Shaer added, “President Al Mubarak’s visit comes at a pivotal time as we prepare for the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Her engagement with our team and regional stakeholders and members reinforces our shared commitment to advancing nature-based solutions and regional cooperation for a more sustainable future.”

About IUCN:

IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organizations. It harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the input of more than 16,000 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

www.iucn.org

About IUCN ROWA:

The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) is the focal point for IUCN’s work in the region, supporting Members and partners in protecting West Asia's unique biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. ROWA addresses key environmental challenges, fostering a resilient and sustainable future for the region.
www.iucn.org/regions/west-asia