The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress is the world’s largest gathering for setting global conservation and sustainable development priorities. More than 1,400 government agencies, civil society groups, and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations participate in shaping motions and policies that guide humanity’s relationship with nature. The Congress also serves as a leading hub for sharing science, innovations, and solutions through its three components—the Forum, Exhibition, and Members’ Assembly.

This year, the Congress was held in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 15 October 2025 and brought together around 10,000 participants onsite and online. The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) took part actively throughout the week, with its Executive Director and team members speaking in seven sessions across various thematic pavilions. CTC highlighted key contributions from the Coral Triangle region, focusing on marine conservation strategies, effective marine protected and conserved areas, gender equality, and community empowerment.

During the session on Establishing Marine Protected Areas in a Changing Climate, CTC presented lessons from adaptive MPA management in Indonesia, emphasizing community participation and locally grounded climate responses. CTC also shared early lessons from implementing the IUCN Green List Standard in the Coral Triangle—a unique multi-country jurisdiction—during the Commitment to Quality Conservation session.

In a panel on Indonesia’s conservation strategies, CTC discussed the country’s plan to protect 30% of its oceans by 2045, the development of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and the importance of inclusive governance through traditional practices. Conversations also highlighted urgent issues such as ocean plastic pollution and the need for youth and private sector engagement.

CTC contributed to discussions on effective and equitable conservation in the Coral Triangle, underscoring how tools like the Green List strengthen MPA management while also highlighting capacity needs of site managers. At sessions on large-scale conservation areas, CTC shared experiences from the six Coral Triangle countries, emphasizing multilateral collaboration and shared learning across global seascapes and landscapes.

In sessions on equitable oceans and human rights-based conservation, CTC showcased more than a decade of work advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), including achievements of the CTI Women Leaders Forum and efforts to engage youth, Indigenous groups, and marginalized communities in ocean governance. These discussions reinforced the importance of inclusive, community-driven conservation for long-term ecological and social resilience.

Beyond speaking engagements, CTC participated in the opening and closing ceremonies, Green List Awards, WCPA networking events, and an informal CTI-CFF partner gathering. The delegation also attended the session on innovative financing for 30×30 and the IUCN WCPA Awards Ceremony honouring CTC’s  former Scientific Advisory Board Member, Dr. Kathy Mackinnon.

From 13 to 15 October, CTC took part in the IUCN Members’ Assembly, joining more than 150 delegates to review organizational progress, vote on motions, and elect leadership. A key outcome of the Assembly was the adoption of IUCN’s new 20-year Strategic Vision focused on effective biodiversity conservation, integrated climate-nature action, and advancing equity.

Overall, CTC’s presence at the Congress strengthened regional partnerships, elevated Coral Triangle priorities, and reinforced its role as a leading voice in marine conservation, ensuring that community-driven and science-based solutions from the region contribute meaningfully to global conservation agendas.

Photos: Leilani Gallardo/CTC