This year marks an important chapter for the UAE’s environmental journey as Emirates Nature–WWF celebrates 25 years of conservation impact. Founded in the spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, the organisation continues to be guided by his visionary belief that nature and humanity are fundamentally interconnected.
Sheikh Zayed’s environmental vision laid the groundwork for the UAE’s model of sustainable nation-building, one that integrates environmental stewardship with long-term economic and social development. His legacy embedded conservation, responsible resource management, and cross-border philanthropy into the core of national progress, setting a precedent for how countries can align environmental priorities with economic and societal advancement. In 1997, Sheikh Zayed became the first Head of State to receive the WWF’s prestigious Golden Panda Award, recognising his contributions to global conservation. This moment laid the foundation for the establishment of Emirates Nature–WWF, the first WWF affiliate office with a permanent presence in the Middle East, reflecting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to locally grounded, globally informed conservation efforts.
The organisation has worked across the UAE to protect ecosystems, foster climate action, enhance food and water security, and inspire environmental stewardship, working alongside communities. From blue carbon assessments and restored falaj systems to climate-smart farming and eco-tourism models, the organisation’s efforts reflect a shared commitment to inclusive, community-driven action, in line with the UAE’s Year of Community.
To commemorate this 25-year journey, Emirates Nature–WWF is proud to host the WWF Asia Pacific (AP25) Regional Conference in the UAE for the first time. The high-level event convened over 30 countries to chart a unified path towards nature-positive development and climate resilience across the Asia Pacific.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Chairman of Emirates Nature WWF, said: “This moment is more than a milestone, it is a mandate for the future. Our 25 year legacy reflects a deep-rooted national commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, we step forward to help unlock Asia Pacific’s potential by convening the right actors and building partnerships that deliver measurable, regional impact.”
Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The UAE remains firmly committed to addressing climate change and environmental protection, both within its own borders and globally. It recognises that cross-sector partnerships are key to creating a resilient, climate-safe future for communities and the planet. As we celebrate 25 years of Emirates Nature-WWF, we look back at a journey led by ambition and profound commitment to preserving and protecting our ecosystems. The organisation has done outstanding work in conservation, fostering nature-positive behaviour and bringing about tangible outcomes. This milestone is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment and renew our pledge to protecting and preserving biodiversity. Emirates Nature-WWF has been an active and valued partner in our environmental efforts through various impactful projects, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”
The opening of the conference was marked by a gala dinner convening high-level guests, including UAE ministers, regional conservation leaders, and global philanthropists. Held under the patronage of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, a philanthropic foundation established to carry forward Sheikh Zayed’s philanthropic legacy, the evening highlighted the importance of collective giving to drive long-term impact.
This event, themed Mobilizing Partnerships to Shape Disaster and Climate Resilience Across the Asia Pacific, featured keynote speeches and a Spotlight Dialogue on Strategic Philanthropy, bringing together distinguished leaders from the UAE and across the Asia Pacific and highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in driving scalable, systemic solutions, by distinguished voices including H.E. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Dr Adil Najam, President of WWF International, and Nena Stoiljkovic, Under Secretary General of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation. This dialogue explored the intersection of climate, nature, and community resilience against climate hazards and natural disasters.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF and Chair of WWF AP25, said: “The challenges before us are increasingly complex, and the solutions must be transformational. Building on a new chapter, we remain firmly rooted in the UAE, working hand-in-hand with communities, government, partners and youth to deliver lasting impact on the ground. At the same time, we are catalysing action across borders, guided by the vision of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that nature and humanity are inseparable, and that our responsibility extends beyond our own. As we embark on this journey, we continue to honour his legacy by bridging local innovation, policymakers, philanthropists, and implementers, unlocking regional and global partnerships that deliver real, scalable solutions for people and planet.”
The event affirmed Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a global hub for strategic philanthropy and nature-based solutions. It also marked a new chapter for Emirates Nature–WWF; as a regional catalyst fostering powerful, cross-border partnerships to accelerate impact for climate, nature, and communities across Asia Pacific.
