Are you a young environmental leader working to protect biodiversity and combat climate change in your community? The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi offers a Fully Funded Scholarship opportunity to amplify your voice and vision on the world stage. Organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Changemakers Program is calling for youth leaders aged 18 to 35 who are developing real solutions to our planet’s most pressing ecological and sustainability challenges.

Held from 9–15 October 2025, this prestigious international Conference brings together governments, civil society, researchers, and business leaders to shape the future of nature conservation. As a selected Changemaker, you’ll receive full delegate access, join high-level events, and even pitch your project or innovation directly to global influencers. With free travel, meals, and accommodation covered, this is a life-changing opportunity to connect your local impact with global action.

Whether you’re addressing deforestation, empowering indigenous knowledge, restoring wetlands, or tackling plastic pollution, IUCN wants to hear from you. The program especially welcomes applicants from the Global South, indigenous communities, and youth-led organizations who are contributing to sustainable development and nature-positive futures.

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Host Country:

United Arab Emirates

Program Location:

Abu Dhabi

Event Dates:

9 – 15 October 2025

This week-long global event will serve as the most important conservation forum of the year, attracting thousands of participants across sectors to exchange ideas, influence policy, and mobilize action.

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IUCN Congress Themes

The 2025 Congress will focus on key areas of conservation transformation, including:

• Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action

• Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks

• Delivering on Equity

• Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies

• Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation

These themes offer a framework for youth-led projects that address nature loss while promoting fairness, inclusion, and social impact.

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Benefits of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Participants selected for the IUCN Changemakers Program will receive a fully funded package, including:

• Delegate pass to all sessions, events, and workshops of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

• Exclusive opportunity to pitch your environmental solution to global leaders and decision-makers

• Round-trip travel to Abu Dhabi

• Accommodation during the full program

• Meals and local transportation

• Access to networking events with government officials, civil society, researchers, donors, and innovation leaders

• Mentorship and engagement with global conservation movements

• A chance to speak in one of three languages: English, French, or Spanish

This is not just a Training Program, but a catalyst for global impact—designed for those ready to lead the change for nature and humanity.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Changemakers Program at the IUCN Congress, applicants must:

• Be aged 18 to 35 by October 2025

• Be currently leading or actively involved in a project that protects nature, climate, or promotes sustainability

• Be working in a field relevant to at least one of the Congress Themes

• Be committed to fairness, inclusion, teamwork, or human rights in conservation

• Be ready to present their idea in English, French, or Spanish

• Show clear community impact and potential to scale their project further

• Be comfortable speaking in public and representing their work at an international level

Youth from underrepresented backgrounds, especially from the Global South, are highly encouraged to apply.

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How to Apply

The application process is entirely online and must be completed before the deadline. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the official IUCN Changemakers Program page

2. Click on the “Apply Now” button

3. Fill out the online application form with your personal, professional, and project details

4. Answer key questions about your motivation, community impact, and alignment with the IUCN themes

5. Record and upload a short video (2–3 minutes) introducing yourself, your work, and your vision

6. Double-check your submission for accuracy and completeness

7. Submit your application and wait for follow-up via email

Be honest, thoughtful, and clear—this is a highly competitive Leadership Program, and your story should inspire.

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Application Deadline:

24 April 2025

All applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM GMT on April 24, 2025. Early applications are encouraged to ensure consideration and allow enough time for possible visa processing and travel arrangements.

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Why the IUCN World Conservation Congress Matters

Held every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress is the largest and most influential global conservation event, setting agendas for governments, UN agencies, NGOs, indigenous communities, and the private sector. The Congress aims to:

• Guide global policies on biodiversity and climate

• Promote science-based conservation strategies

• Mobilize public and private financing for environmental solutions

• Strengthen partnerships between nature conservation and human well-being

• Empower young leaders to act locally while thinking globally

The Changemakers Program ensures that youth are not just invited but equally represented, heard, and resourced to lead global environmental change.

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A Platform for Youth Voices

This opportunity goes far beyond a simple conference invitation. As a Changemaker, you will:

• Speak in plenary sessions and thematic workshops

• Pitch your innovation to world leaders and donors

• Access a global media platform that highlights your story

• Join a network of IUCN alumni, mentors, and partner organizations

• Create pathways to career opportunities, collaborations, and project funding

Young people are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces. The IUCN Changemakers Program addresses that gap by ensuring youth-led environmental efforts are given visibility, support, and credibility on the world stage.

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What Makes a Strong Application?

To stand out as an applicant, make sure your project:

• Has clear objectives and measurable outcomes

• Addresses a real need within your local or regional environment

• Shows community involvement, including marginalized voices

• Connects to at least one Congress theme and aligns with the SDGs

• Demonstrates creativity, resilience, and replicability

Your video should showcase who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how you’re contributing to a nature-positive and socially just future.