“I am truly honoured to have been re-elected President of the IUCN, especially at a moment when nature, climate, and people must be brought together in action. Over the past four years, I have witnessed the extraordinary strength of our Union — our Members, Commissions, and partners — working together across boundaries and disciplines. This new mandate is both a privilege and a responsibility — to continue turning ambition into action for nature and for humanity,” said H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President.
She expressed her commitment to broadening the Union’s reach and impact. With priorities such as the 20-year Strategic Vision for the Union and the implementation of Congress Resolutions on the agenda, the President voiced confidence that the renewed leadership team is well-positioned to deliver on its ambitious goals.
“As we begin this new chapter for the Union, I am inspired by the strength of our community and the shared purpose that unites us. The newly elected Council brings true expertise, fresh perspectives, diversity and energy to guide us in the work ahead. I warmly congratulate HE Razan Al Mubarak on her re-election as IUCN President and look forward to continuing our close collaboration in this next quadrennium. Her leadership, together with that of our new Council, will help drive our Union forward, strengthening ties across our Membership and embracing innovation,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN. “I sincerely congratulate our newly elected Council and look forward to working closely together to ensure that IUCN continues to lead with integrity and impact”.
At the heart of IUCN’s scientific work are its seven expert Commissions, the Union’s dynamic networks of thousands of volunteers who generate the knowledge underpinning global conservation policy. In Abu Dhabi, members elected or renewed the Chairs of these Commissions, reflecting both continuity and innovation.
Species Survival Commission (SSC):
After nine years of leadership by Dr Jon Paul Rodríguez, the SSC welcomes Vivek Menon, an Indian wildlife conservationist and author renowned for his work with elephants. Menon will continue building on the Commission’s legacy of safeguarding threatened species worldwide.
World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA):
Dr. Madhu Rao will continue as Chair, celebrating key advances such as strengthening the global protected area workforce, integrating One Health principles, and developing strategies for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Her next priorities include ensuring equitable and effective conservation outcomes and advancing protected areas as nature-based climate solutions.
Commission on Education and Communication (CEC):
With Sean Southey completing his tenure, Dr. Margaret Otieno, a celebrated conservation educator steps in as Chair. She plans to deepen youth engagement and broaden conservation awareness through innovative education and communication initiatives.
Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM):
Dr. Liette Vasseur, Professor of Biological Sciences, was elected Chair, succeeding Angela Andrade Pérez. Dr. Vasseur aims to further work on the Red List of Ecosystems, Nature-based Solutions, and restoration efforts aligned with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP):
Following Kristen Walker Painemilla’s leadership, Ernesto Herrera Guerra will lead the CEESP. His priorities include strengthening collaboration across IUCN pillars, advancing environmental governance and rights, supporting environmental defenders, and amplifying youth and intergenerational knowledge exchange.
World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL):
Re-elected Chair Dr. Christina Voigt reaffirmed the Commission’s mission to advance environmental law and justice, protect defenders, and uphold the environmental rule of law globally.
Climate Action Commission (CAC):
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal was re-elected Chair, continuing to champion IUCN’s leadership on the climate emergency and mobilizing global action for a resilient, nature-positive future.
Renewed vision, global representation: the new IUCN council
Reflecting IUCN’s global diversity and inclusiveness, Members also elected representatives to the IUCN Council for the next quadrennium. The Council serves as the bridge between IUCN’s more than 1,400 Members and its Secretariat, ensuring that decisions and strategies are informed by the perspectives of governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and experts from every region of the world. The council plays a critical role in shaping the Union’s policy direction and governance.
Each region of the world is represented through elected Regional Councillors, bringing together a rich tapestry of experience, expertise, and environmental leadership. Among the newly elected members are;
Indigenous Councillor:
Onel Masardule Arias from Panama
Africa:
- Brian Child from South Africa
- Caroline Aguti Mugisha from Uganda
- Imen Meliane from Tunisia
- Charlotte Karibuhoye Said from Guinea Bissau, Burundi
Meso and South America:
- Ana Di Pangracio from Argentina
- Oscar Mora Altamirano from Costa Rica
- Ramón Perez-Gil from Mexico
- Maria Cecilia Wey De Brito from Brazil
North America and the Caribbean:
- James BARTRAM from Canada
- Kathryn GWIAZDON from the United States of America
- Fernando LLOVERAS SAN MIGUEL from the United States of America
Oceania:
- Catherine Iorns from New Zealand
- Isoa Korovulavula from Fiji
- Erica MCcreedy from Australia
South and East Asia:
- Roshani Adhikari Pathak from Nepal
- Atsuhiro Yoshinaka from Japan
- Yinfeng Guo from China
- Amran Hamzah from Malaysia
- Lima Rosalind from India
West Asia:
- Matrah Al-Mutairi from Kuwait
- Simon Awad from Palestine
- Khaled Marafi from Jordan
West Europe:
- Maud Lelièvre from France
- Ann-Katrine Garn from Denmark
- Sonia Castañeda from Spain
East Europe, North and Central Asia:
- Ruben Khachatryan from Armenia
- Diana Garlytska from Ukraine
- Samad-John Smaranda from Romania
The diversity of the new Council, spanning continents, cultures, and sectors underscores IUCN’s unique ability to unite governments, NGOs, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and youth around shared conservation goals. As the Union embarks on its next quadrennium, it does so with renewed leadership, a unified strategic vision, and a global community ready to deliver lasting impact. Building on the achievements of past leadership, the next four years will focus on advancing key conservation objectives, strengthening collaboration, and maintaining IUCN’s role at the forefront of global nature protection. With unity, innovation, and shared purpose, IUCN reaffirms its enduring commitment to conserving nature, for the benefit of people and the planet.