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A healthy natural environment fundamentally underpins our economy and society. The World Economic Forum has estimated that over half the world's GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature and is therefore exposed to risks from nature loss. A thriving, stable and productive economy not only generates return on investment, but also stimulates growth and innovation. A thriving economy is a sustainable economy, in which the strengths of today are compounded and carried forward into tomorrow.

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) sets an ambition for the world to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and live in harmony with nature by 2050. The KM-GBF further agrees that investment in nature needs to increase dramatically to achieve this goal. Targets 10, 14, 15, 19 and 21 all relate to the role of the private sector in meeting this ambition, with Target 15 paying particular importance to the assessment, disclosure and reduction of biodiversity related risks and negative impacts.

Governments play an important leadership role to meet these targets; however, there is strong agreement that this is a collective problem. Governments, environmental groups and the private sector are increasingly aware of our dependencies and impacts on nature. Together, we can deliver the necessary increase in investment in nature.

Businesses are starting to assess and act on their nature-related risks and opportunities, and to embed nature into their strategies and decision making. Businesses can reduce nature-related risks, dependencies and impacts by shifting their strategy, operating models and practices, and engaging and working with suppliers to reduce risks in their supply chains. These actions can unlock new market opportunities and build competitive advantage, while also having a net positive benefit for the environment.

At the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit 2024 in Sydney, the Australian Government established the Nature Positive Matters Initiative to facilitate public-private collaboration to accelerate Australia's transition to a nature positive future. Australia has demonstrated leadership on driving progress in businesses doing their part for nature and encourages IUCN State Members to support public-private nature positive partnerships.

As the primary global forum for multilateral cross-sectoral engagement on conservation, the World Conservation Congress is the appropriate place to drive action on this issue.