The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress is more than just a conference; it’s the world’s largest environmental parliament, a unique gathering where governments, civil society, businesses, and Indigenous Peoples come together to shape the future of our planet. This year, the Congress will take place from October 9 to 15, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under the theme “Powering transformative conservation.”

For the African Indigenous Women’s Organization (AIWO), this event represents a crucial opportunity to elevate the voices and knowledge of Indigenous women from across our continent. Our communities are at the forefront of the climate and biodiversity crises, and our traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are essential to finding lasting solutions.

Amplifying Indigenous Voices

The Congress is a critical platform for our advocacy work. It provides a space to engage directly with global leaders and decision-makers on issues that are central to our mission, including environmental justice, land rights, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. The AIWO believes that the empowerment of Indigenous women is fundamental to driving positive change in our communities and beyond.

A major highlight of the Congress is the first-ever World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature, held from October 8 to 10. This historic summit, co-convened by the IUCN and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), brings together Indigenous leaders to discuss how traditional knowledge can be a powerful tool for conservation. The theme, “Our Knowledge is the Language of Mother Earth,” resonates deeply with our work and highlights the indispensable role of Indigenous Peoples as stewards of life on Earth.

Our Role in the Global Agenda

The IUCN World Conservation Congress provides a platform to:

• Advocate for Land and Resource Rights: We will continue to advocate for the secure tenure rights of Indigenous communities, especially for women who are often marginalized in land governance. Our work is rooted in the belief that when our communities have control over their ancestral lands, they can more effectively protect and conserve them.
• Promote Indigenous Women’s Leadership: The Congress offers a chance to showcase the leadership of Indigenous women in conservation and sustainable development. We are committed to ensuring that our voices are heard in all discussions and decisions that affect our lives and our environment.
• Influence Global Policy: Through the Congress’s unique Members’ Assembly, we have the opportunity to contribute to the motions and resolutions that will guide global conservation policy for years to come. This is where the decisions that directly impact our communities are made, and it is vital that we are part of that process.

A Shared Future

The crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are deeply interconnected. They are also inseparable from issues of human rights, social equity, and economic justice. The AIWO’s participation in the World Conservation Congress is a testament to our commitment to a holistic approach to conservation—one that recognizes that a healthy planet and thriving communities are two sides of the same coin.

We invite all our partners and allies to follow the developments at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. It is a moment of shared purpose and a call to action. Together, we can work towards a future where nature is valued, Indigenous rights are respected, and the wisdom of our ancestors guides us towards a more just and sustainable world for all.