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.

• 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

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.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the world’s largest gathering of conservation experts, policymakers, business leaders, and scientists, convening to drive action for nature. It provides a platform for bold commitments, innovative solutions, and cross-sector partnerships to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 will spotlight young innovators and entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to connect with global leaders, exchange ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking solutions that drive transformative change for nature and people.

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.

IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers will be selected by IUCN from a shortlist created by One Young World. To apply, please complete the application form in your preferred language linked below.

Applicants over 35 years of age may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact in conservation. Unfortunately, applications from those who are under 18 years of age at the time of the IUCN Congress cannot be accepted.