UAE Hosts Nature Guardians Majlis to Boost Green Economy

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) hosted the third edition of the Nature Guardians Majlis in Dubai on October 2, 2025. The event was chaired by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The forum gathered private sector companies, NGOs, universities, and research centres to discuss ways to strengthen a nature-positive economy.

Building on Global and National Success

This Majlis continues the UAE’s efforts to prepare for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The first Majlis was held in New York during the UN General Assembly, and the second in Dubai united government visions. The third edition shifted focus to the private and third sectors, highlighting their role in finding practical solutions for environmental challenges.

Aim of the Majlis

The forum aimed to move beyond ambition to concrete action. It encouraged companies, NGOs, and research centres to treat conservation and restoration as investable markets. Tools such as green bonds, carbon credits, and innovative loans were highlighted to support nature-positive strategies. By doing so, the Majlis showed that sustainability can bring economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Traditional Format with Modern Goals

The event followed the traditional Emirati Majlis format, creating a space for open dialogue. Attendees included business leaders, finance experts, innovators, and academics. Among the participants were ADNOC, Beeah Group, Emirates Nature–WWF, IFAW, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, and leading UAE universities. Together, they shared insights on advancing sustainability through innovation, technology, and collaboration.

Role of Private and Third Sectors

Dr. Amna stressed the vital role of private companies and NGOs in achieving the UAE’s climate and nature goals. She explained that these sectors can drive innovation, create partnerships, and mobilize capital for green projects. She also said that the Majlis helped unlock important ideas to integrate nature into business, use technology for impact, and scale up nature-based solutions.

Four Strategic Pillars of Discussion

The dialogue was organized around four roundtables:

• Leadership in the Age of Scrutiny: Companies discussed how to go beyond Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and include biodiversity in their core strategies.

• The Investment Challenge: Participants examined ways to expand nature-based projects and attract private capital through new financing methods.

• Innovation and Accountability: Leaders focused on AI, data, and transparency to measure biodiversity results and ensure sustainability efforts succeed.

• The Legacy Commitment: Attendees discussed bold initiatives and pledges that would shape the UAE’s leadership at IUCN 2025 and beyond.

Key Outcomes of the Majlis

The forum ended with several important results:

• A public commitment to invest, innovate, and build partnerships for nature.

• Development of scalable frameworks for cross-sector partnerships.

• Policy recommendations to support the UAE’s leadership at IUCN 2025.

• Stronger coordination mechanisms to avoid duplication and increase impact.

• A focus on community awareness and youth engagement in conservation.

• Showcasing the UAE model as an example of balancing growth with sustainability.

UAE’s Path to Global Leadership

The Majlis highlighted the UAE’s unique development model, which balances economic growth with environmental protection. By creating collaborative platforms, the UAE is building a lasting legacy that will inspire global conservation efforts at the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress.