The representative of MCD, Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu – Standing Deputy Director of MCD, attended the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held on October 8–16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Congress brought together over 9,000 delegates from more than 1,400 IUCN member organizations and about 140 countries and territories, including representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations,  non-public organizations, academia, businesses, donors and partners, youth forces, and other related stakeholders.

This Congress focused on the theme “Powering Transformative Conservation”, featuring three main parts: the Forum, the Exhibition, and the Members’ Assembly – where IUCN members discussed and voted on key policy decisions. The working sessions focused on five major themes: scaling up resilient conservation action, reducing climate overshoot risks, delivering on equity, transitioning to nature-positive economies and societies, and disruptive innovation and leadership for conservation.

In the opening speech, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said “environmental protection is a key pillar of the UAE’s comprehensive development journey, as the nation has established itself as a global model in conserving nature and ensuring the sustainability of its resources”. The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau; Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco; Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of IUCN; Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN; and representatives from the UAE.

Opening of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Abu Dhabi UAE (photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office)

Notably, for the first time within the framework of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature was held, bringing together Indigenous groups and organizations to highlight the vital role of Indigenous communities in nature conservation.

Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu, representative of MCD attended in the Forum sessions, meetings of the national and regional IUCN Members’ Committees, and nine official sessions of the IUCN Members’ Assembly. During these sessions, members discussed and voted to adopt IUCN’s 20-year Strategic Vision, its four-year Programme and Financial Plan, and elected the President, Council members, and other key leadership positions.

MCD representative, Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu and delegates from Vietnam at the 2025 Congress

As part of the Forum activities, Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu participated in and shared MCD’s experiences at thematic sessions focusing on ocean health, marine debris management, climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, innovation in conservation and education, and criteria for identifying priority marine areas to achieve global biodiversity targets. The MCD delegate emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity and implementing practical actions for coastal communities, contributing to Vietnam’s goal of protecting 6% of its natural marine area in the coming period, and enabling better livelihoods for coastal populations.

MCD representative, Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu participated in the IUCN Asia Regional Forum 2025

At the same time, as Chairwoman of the IUCN Vietnam Member Committee, Ms. Thu attended a discussion with the IUCN Asia Regional Director and representatives of IUCN member committees from other countries within the Asia Regional Members Committee (ARMC), as well as a thematic session on promoting the role of youth in nature conservation.

MCD representative, Ms. Ho Thi Yen Thu attended the meeting of the IUCN Vietnam and regional committees

One of the key outcomes of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 was the Abu Dhabi Call for Action, which highlights five priority areas: Reaffirming nature as the foundation of human and planetary well-being; Strengthening multilateralism and the power of collective action, cooperation, and leadership; Ensuring justice and inclusive and equitable participation by the whole of society; Advancing science, knowledge, innovation and education for action; Scaling up and aligning resources for nature and climate action. The declaration calls for collaboration among governments, communities, businesses, science, and innovation to move toward a future where nature and people thrive together. These priorities align well with MCD’s efforts to intensify its activities and make positive contributions to IUCN’s collective global actions.