Context 

The IUCN World Conservation Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi in October 2025. This major event brings together governments, scientists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector around biodiversity conservation and sustainable development issues. 

In this context, the Mubadarat programme to support civil society, implemented by IUCN Med, is organizing several sessions specifically dedicated to CSOs. These sessions aim to highlight the central role of CSOs in implementing local initiatives and nature-based solutions, and to encourage the exchange of experiences among conservation actors. 

To promote the active participation of partner CSOs, the Mubadarat programme is offering financial grants to enable 4 to 6 organizations benefiting from the PPI OSCAN and/or TransCap programmes to take part in the Congress. This support will cover international flights, accommodation, and Congress registration fees. 

As the Congress is above all the event of IUCN Members, this opportunity is designed as an entry point for CSOs to the IUCN Membership community, in order to strengthen their links with this international network. 

Eligibility 

CSOs must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • The organization is a beneficiary of the PPI OSCAN or TransCap programme (phases 1, 2, or 3). 
  • The organization is legally registered in its country. 
  • The organization can designate a person available to attend the entire Congress (8–13 October). 
  • The organization commits to participating in the Mubadarat events during the Congress. 
  • The organization commits to sharing feedback on its participation to the Congress (report, debrief, communication). 
  • The designated person holds a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after the Congress date) and is able to provide the necessary documents for a visa application to the United Arab Emirates. 

 Selection Criteria 

 Interested CSOs must demonstrate that: 

  • The organization has been active in the past 3 years and has implemented at least one project during this period. 
  • Motivation to participate in the Congress and the expected added value for their organization. 
  • Willingness to actively contribute to Mubadarat events (testimonies, sharing experiences, good practices). 
  • Interest in becoming a member of IUCN and joining an international community of committed actors. 
  • Relevant profile of the designated representative (capacity for representation, public speaking, and feedback to their network). 

Covered Costs 

Selected CSOs will receive a grant covering their participation costs at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.  

The following costs will be covered: 

  • Round-trip flight from the international airport of the concerned country to Abu Dhabi 
  • Visa
  • Transfer between Abu Dhabi airport and the hotel 
  • Congress registration fees 
  • Accommodation for the duration of the Congress 
  • Breakfast 

The following costs will not be covered: 

  • Meals other than breakfast 
  • Personal expenses or local transportation costs 
  • Travel expenses from your home to the nearest international airport 

Application Process 

Please complete the following questionnaire, which verifies eligibility and selection criteria: https://forms.office.com/e/v9vhUiVeMz 

Deadline: Saturday, 30 August, 1pm (Spain time, UTC+2)