Dear Members,
Dear Commission Members,
75 years ago, following the devastating World War II, a group of visionaries had the courage to think about the importance of nature conservation, creating the International Union for Protection of Nature (“IUPN”, or “IUCN” as we all know it today). This followed on shortly after the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.
Over the past three quarters of a century, IUCN has been providing knowledge, convening governments and civil society, improving lives and livelihoods through conservation action on the ground, and serving as the voice of nature. There is no doubt the Union has evolved over these years – expanding its global reach and influence, and welcoming new Members, notably Indigenous peoples and sub-national governments (see the online 75-year timeline of IUCN).
An organisation that was born as a joint endeavour between leaders in
government and civil society is still here today; this no doubt is proof of our success. Great passion and commitment to the vision of conserving nature is a clear and common theme that keeps appearing as we all overcome challenges and seize opportunities in front of us.
IUCN’s strength comes from bringing so many different viewpoints together to achieve a single mission. We, as IUCN Members, Commission members, staff, partners, Councillors and National/Regional Committees are privileged to be part of this valuable and unique Union. And just as importantly, IUCN is privileged to have all of you working towards achieving its mission.
With environmental degradation and the
climate crisis worsening and worsening, it is clear that the world has never needed this Union more than it does today. We are the generation that must leave a lasting footprint and legacy in Planet Earth’s story.
Dear Members, we would like to wish you all a very happy 75th anniversary! IUCN was born on 5 October 1948 and we know that today many of you will be celebrating IUCN’s achievements – be it virtually, within National and Regional Committees or at one of the IUCN regional offices around the world. Council and Members in France will also celebrate later in the year in Château de Fontainebleau in France, the place where IUCN was constituted. Let’s all take a moment to celebrate this milestone. And as we pause to celebrate, we should also reflect on the future of IUCN and the Union’s role in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
As you know, the IUCN Council, together with 8 Member representatives nominated by yourselves have been working on developing a draft 20-year strategic vision for IUCN. Starting 2024, we will be consulting the draft strategic vision with all of you – virtually, in person and at the Regional Conservation Fora. Please make sure to raise
your voice and join this important new chapter that will shape the next 20 years of IUCN – bringing us a step closer to a just world that values and conserves nature.
With gratitude for your conservation action and leadership,
Razan Al Mubarak and Grethel Aguilar
