2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress - Call for Changemakers

IUCN is searching for the next generation of young innovators leading the way in nature conservation and sustainability

The IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers brings together young innovators and visionary leaders who are developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions to biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development challenges in their communities. Selected changemakers will join global leaders, experts, and practitioners at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 to showcase their transformative initiatives, exchange ideas, and drive impactful action for a nature-positive future. Participants will have the unique opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers from the private sector, government, and civil society.

• Table of Content
• About One Young World
• IUCN World Conservation Congress
• Aim and Benefits of IUCN World Conservation Congress
• Requirements for IUCN World Conservation Congress Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for IUCN World Conservation Congress
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

IUCN World Conservation Congress

Application Deadline	27 Apr 2025
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	One Young World
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of IUCN World Conservation Congress

• Delegate access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi
• An exclusive opportunity to pitch your innovative environmental action project (in English, French or Spanish) to global leaders
• Networking opportunities with leading conservationists, policymakers, and corporates onsite
• Sponsored travel and accommodation in Abu Dhabi
• Meals and other expenses covered for the duration of the stay in Abu Dhabi

Requirements for IUCN World Conservation Congress Qualification

You should apply to be a Changemaker at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 if you:

• Are aged 18 – 35*
• Have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing innovative solutions and cutting-edge environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development
• Are currently working on an innovative solution or environmental action project that aligns with one or more of the IUCN Congress themes

We especially encourage candidates to apply if their initiatives foster equity, inclusivity, intergenerational collaboration, and/or adopt a rights-based approach in their design and implementation.

Interview date, Process and Venue for IUCN World Conservation Congress

Congress Themes

The IUCN Congress 2025 will address five critical themes to drive bold, transformative change for a sustainable future:

• Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action: Expanding conservation efforts through science, traditional knowledge, and community empowerment to ensure biodiversity thrives amid climate change.
• Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks: Implementing aggressive emissions reductions, adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
• Delivering on Equity: Ensuring conservation efforts are just, inclusive, and centred on indigenous peoples, women, youth, and local communities.
• Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies: Shifting from extractive to regenerative economic models that restore ecosystems and sustain livelihoods.
• Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation: Challenging the status quo through bold, inclusive leadership, new technologies, and innovative governance models to drive systemic change in conservation.

Application Deadline

April 27, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to One Young World on www.oneyoungworld.com to apply

IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers will be selected by IUCN from a shortlist created by One Young World. To apply, please complete the application form in your preferred language linked

For more details, visit One Young World IUCN World Conservation Congress webpage