What is the IUCN World Conservation Congress?
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has grown to be the world’s largest and most democratic recurring conservation event in the world, bringing the expertise and influence of its powerful membership to bear on the most pressing issues of the time. It has two parts: a marketplace of ideas called the Forum and a voting session for IUCN Members called the Members’ Assembly.
Who will be there?
Heads of State and other high-level government officials, top CEOs and business leaders, representatives from indigenous groups and leading civil society organisations of all shapes and sizes along with top scientists, academics, influencers, educators and artists from all over the world. In all, we expect between 6,000-10,000 participants at the IUCN Congress 2016. See the list of high profile speakers and testimonials.
Why should I attend?
Share your latest conservation work and gain institutional visibility with the media and with the Congress’ influential participants. Learn from technical and scientific experts, network and build global partnerships, and influence the decisions that will impact your work.
What is the Forum?
The Forum (2-5 September) is the largest knowledge marketplace for conservation and sustainable development science, practice and innovation with over 600 sessions addressing a wide range of issues. It is open to the public and a great place to learn, share, network and influence.
What is the Members’ Assembly?
The Members’ Assembly (6-10 September) is where IUCN’s 1,300+ Member organisations collectively decide on actions to address the most pressing and often controversial conservation and sustainable development challenges. The knowledge from the Forum informs the decisions taken at the Members’ Assembly.
What impact will the decisions taken at IUCN Congress have?
Consensus from IUCN’s diverse and influential membership carries a powerful mandate and helps shape worldwide conservation and sustainable development agendas for years to come. At this Congress, IUCN Members will decide on over 90 pressing and often controversial issues at the Members’ Assembly.
How does IUCN Congress contribute to global climate and sustainable development objectives?
For the world to succeed, it must reach these objectives sustainably. The IUCN Congress brings scientific and technical experts to the table with political and private sector leaders to define the sustainable path to moving these agreements into action.
Why is Hawaii a great place to hold the IUCN Congress?
Hosting the Congress in Hawaiʻi highlights islands, microcosms of conservation and sustainable development issues worldwide and the too-often-forgotten frontlines of climate change. Learn more about why Hawaiʻi is a natural choice for the IUCN Congress.
How is IUCN mitigating the Congress’ carbon footprint?
IUCN has selected to purchase its carbon mitigation for the IUCN Congress 2016 from the Cordillera Azul National Park Project in Peru. IUCN aims to not only offset carbon from air travel to Hawai’i but to also offset all carbon emissions resulting from the Congress including shipping of goods, ground travel in Honolulu, hotel stays and emissions associated with on-the-ground Congress logistics.
What else is IUCN doing to make the Congress a sustainable event?
In addition to minimising and mitigating carbon emissions, IUCN’s My Green Congress strategy and requirements include waste and plastic-free catering, greening local hotels and numerous other initiatives to minimise the impacts on Hawaiʻi and the planet.
How can I be a part of the IUCN Congress?
On the Take Part page of this website, you can register for the Congress, reserve an exhibition booth and become a Congress sponsor.
