Philanthropy Summit

Mobilising Philanthropy for a Nature-Positive Future

As biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution accelerate globally, shifting geopolitical dynamics are putting reliable government and multilateral funding for conservation and climate action at risk. More than ever, philanthropy has a vital role to play in supporting and accelerating a just, nature-positive transition. The scale of the challenge is immense: meeting the Global Biodiversity Framework requires $1.3 trillion annually, yet less than 6% of philanthropic funding currently reaches environmental initiatives. The stakes could not be higher and philanthropy’s agility and innovation are essential to closing the funding gap and driving systemic transformation.

To unlock real progress, we must forge new alliances and mobilize stakeholders to harness collective power at scale. Only then can we shape sustainable solutions grounded in nature-based innovations and scalable approaches that integrate social equity and conservation.

Financing these solutions demands a radical rethink of how capital flows. Philanthropy can lead the way by deploying catalytic and blended finance, venture philanthropy, and pooled funding, aligning public and private investments to unlock greater impact. Meanwhile, philanthropy also enables piloting and leveraging the transformative potential of technology to scale efforts ethically and inclusively—from AI-driven monitoring to open data platforms that empower communities and enhance transparency.

Set in the dynamic context of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the inaugural IUCN Philanthropy Summit offered a unique platform to mobilize philanthropic capital for a nature-positive future. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, the Philanthropy Summit convened 115 leaders from 29 countries ready to innovate, invest boldly, collaborate deeply and accelerate outcome-focused action that delivers lasting benefits for people and planet alike.  

As articulated by Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, “The inaugural IUCN Philanthropy Summit has established the groundwork for stronger collaboration and new alliances among like-minded philanthropists. This marks the beginning of a new chapter - one where philanthropy helps shape the future of conservation and fosters a nature-positive, climate-resilient world for generations to come.”

At the Summit IUCN officially launched the IUCN Innovation for Conservation Initiative, IUCN iCON. iCON champions the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, data platforms, and digital tools to advance conservation practices. This approach aims to transform how data, tools, and strategies are utilized across the conservation sector, resulting in more effective, evidence-based decision-making and enhanced impact for biodiversity and resilient ecosystems. iCON’s success so far is rooted in the support of visionary partners — and together, we can amplify impact even further. Should you wish to join us in shaping the future of innovation for conservation, please contact partnerships@iucn.org.