Uzbekistan Delegation Participates in IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, headed by Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov, took part in the World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), held from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The forum, which brought together more than 10,000 participants representing governments, academia, youth organizations, civil society, and the private sector, became one of the largest global platforms for discussing nature conservation and sustainable development. Participants outlined joint steps toward a “nature-positive” future — a world where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

During the IUCN Members’ Assembly, the Abu Dhabi Call to Action was adopted, reaffirming countries’ commitment to accelerate efforts to protect the planet and preserve biodiversity.

Delegates also re-elected Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak as President of the IUCN and approved a new composition of the Union’s governing bodies.

Special attention during the Congress was given to inclusivity, innovation, and scientific progress. For the first time in history, the World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature was held. More than 100 new members, including six sovereign states, joined the Union.

Key scientific updates were presented, including the revised IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, new pollinator data, and the World Heritage Outlook report. The Congress itself was recognized as a model of sustainable event organization, earning certification under ISO 20121:2024.

The Assembly adopted over 150 motions, seven of which were co-developed with Uzbekistan’s participation. These resolutions cover a wide range of topics — from combating environmental crimes and illegal wildlife trade to advancing the One Health approach and improving the IUCN Green List of protected areas.

Among the documents prepared with Uzbekistan’s involvement are initiatives on:
— Advancing the IUCN Green List of protected and conserved areas;
— Combating Crimes that Affect the Environment;
— Addressing wildlife trafficking and managing seized or confiscated live wild animals;
— Advancing the One Health approach for biodiversity, health and global cooperation;
— Developing IUCN guidelines to effectively control the commercial pet trade in terrestrial wildlife;
— Strengthening the financial sustainability of the IUCN Red List and engaging the private sector in conservation initiatives.

A notable achievement for Uzbekistan was the international recognition of its national environmental inspectors. Lazizbek Khasanov, an inspector of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, received the prestigious International Ranger Award for his outstanding contribution to protecting natural areas and conserving the country’s biodiversity.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the world’s largest environmental forum marked an important step in strengthening international cooperation, exchanging best practices, and promoting national conservation initiatives on the global stage.