IUCN World Conservation Congress 2029 – search for Host Country begins

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, which takes place every four years, brings together leaders and decision-makers from all sectors of society to discuss and find solutions to global environmental challenges. 

The 2025 Congress in Abu Dhabi welcomed more than 10,000 participants from over 160 countries, including Heads of State, Ministers, representatives of Indigenous Peoples' organisations, scientists, youth leaders, civil society and business. The Congress concluded with the adoption of a new 20-year Strategic Vision for nature, reaffirming IUCN's role at the forefront of global conservation action. 

For the Host Country, the Congress provides a unique opportunity to showcase its leadership on global environmental issues and to highlight conservation activities, as well as benefiting from the international exposure of the country’s biodiversity, history and culture.

Over a period of eight days, participants have the opportunity to meet, discuss, and jointly determine the future of conservation. The Congress is split into two segments – the Forum and the Members’ Assembly. The Forum is the largest knowledge marketplace for conservation and sustainable development science, practice and innovation. Over 1,000 sessions (workshops, training sessions, round-table discussions and other networking events) provide governments, NGOs and the private sector with an opportunity to discuss key conservation and sustainable development issues ranging from the wildlife trade to ocean conservation, protected areas to one health, climate change to technology.

The Members' Assembly is the highest decision-making body of IUCN. Here, the Union’s 1’500+ Members from over 160 countries come together to debate, vote and establish environmental policy, to approve the IUCN Programme and to elect the IUCN Council and President.  In 2025, Members voted on 144 Resolutions, Recommendations and other Decisions to help shape the conservation agenda over the coming years.

The Statement of Requirements and supporting annexes are available at this link for IUCN constituents using their IUCN login credentials, or available on request from [email protected].  

Proposals must be submitted no later than 31 January 2027. 

For information on the 2025 World Conservation Congress and its outcomes, watch the Congress Outcomes video or visit the Congress website:  https://iucncongress2025.org/

For more information on the selection process or the Statement of Requirements, please contact the Congress Team on [email protected].