IUCN governance
IUCN's strength and mandate come from our diverse and powerful membership. Over 1,400 Member organisations democratically determine the vision of the Union, and our work to achieve it.
The IUCN Council is IUCN’s principal governing body in between sessions of the World Conservation Congress. The IUCN President presides over the IUCN Council.
The Members’ Assembly of the IUCN World Conservation Congress is IUCN’s highest governing body. IUCN Members discuss strategic topics, adopt motions defining IUCN’s general policy, approve the IUCN programme, amend IUCN’s statutes and elect the IUCN Council.
IUCN’s statutes lay out the governance of IUCN. In 1996, IUCN Members adopted revised IUCN Statutes replacing the original statutes adopted in 1948. Members have made amendments to the revised statutes at subsequent IUCN World Conservation Congresses.
This page covers governance of the Union. Use the link below to find information on leadership of the Secretariat.