Applications Invited for IUCN World Conservation Congress - Changemakers

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About the Organization

We are One Young World, empowering and developing young leaders to build a fair, sustainable future for all.

It all begins with the annual One Young World Summit - the beating heart of what we are about. For young leaders, the Summit is the landmark event of the year. It is a chance for the individuals responsible for shaping the future of our world, to come together to confront the biggest challenges facing humanity. The Summit is the ultimate place to be inspired, share learnings, and connect. Together we raise the bar for what it is possible to achieve as leaders, individually and collectively. The One Young World Summit 2025 will take place in Munich, Germany from 3 - 6 November 2025.

About the Scholarship

The IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers brings together young innovators and visionary leaders who are developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions to biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development challenges in their communities. Selected changemakers will join global leaders, experts, and practitioners at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 to showcase their transformative initiatives, exchange ideas, and drive impactful action for a nature-positive future. Participants will have the unique opportunity to present their entrepreneurial solutions to influential decision-makers from the private sector, government, and civil society.

Benefits for Selected Changemakers

• Delegate access to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi
• An exclusive opportunity to pitch your innovative environmental action project (in English, French or Spanish) to global leaders
• Networking opportunities with leading conservationists, policymakers, and corporates onsite
• Sponsored travel and accommodation in Abu Dhabi
• Meals and other expenses covered for the duration of the stay in Abu Dhabi

Congress Themes

The IUCN Congress 2025 will address five critical themes to drive bold, transformative change for a sustainable future:

• Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action: Expanding conservation efforts through science, traditional knowledge, and community empowerment to ensure biodiversity thrives amid climate change.
• Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks: Implementing aggressive emissions reductions, adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
• Delivering on Equity: Ensuring conservation efforts are just, inclusive, and centred on indigenous peoples, women, youth, and local communities.
• Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies: Shifting from extractive to regenerative economic models that restore ecosystems and sustain livelihoods.
• Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation: Challenging the status quo through bold, inclusive leadership, new technologies, and innovative governance models to drive systemic change in conservation.

Eligibility

You should apply to be a Changemaker at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 if you:

• Are aged 18 – 35*
• Have demonstrated leadership and experience in developing and implementing innovative solutions and cutting-edge environmental action projects in the fields of nature conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and / or sustainable development
• Are currently working on an innovative solution or environmental action project that aligns with one or more of the IUCN Congress themes

We especially encourage candidates to apply if their initiatives foster equity, inclusivity, intergenerational collaboration, and/or adopt a rights-based approach in their design and implementation.

We are looking for a diverse pool of global changemakers to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. Youth from the Global South are strongly encouraged to apply, as are youth from minority groups, indigenous peoples, local communities, and young female leaders and innovators from around the world. Applications may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish, the three official languages of IUCN.

How to Apply

Application Deadline 27/04/2025

Apply Now

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Innovations and Technology Leadership Others