Mobilising Philanthropy for a Nature-Positive Future
As biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution accelerate globally, shifting geopolitical dynamics are putting reliable government and multilateral funding for conservation and climate action at risk. More than ever, philanthropy has a vital role to play in supporting and accelerating a just, nature-positive transition. The scale of the challenge is immense: meeting the Global Biodiversity Framework requires $1.3 trillion annually, yet less than 6% of philanthropic funding currently reaches environmental initiatives. The stakes could not be higher, and philanthropy’s agility and innovation are essential to closing the funding gap and driving systemic transformation.
To unlock real progress, we must forge new alliances and mobilize stakeholders to harness collective power at scale. Only then can we shape sustainable solutions grounded in nature-based innovations and scalable approaches that integrate social equity and conservation.
Financing these solutions demands a radical rethink of how capital flows. Philanthropy can lead the way by deploying catalytic and blended finance, venture philanthropy, and pooled funding, aligning public and private investments to unlock greater impact. Meanwhile, philanthropy also enables piloting and leveraging the transformative potential of technology to scale efforts ethically and inclusively—from AI-driven monitoring to open data platforms that empower communities and enhance transparency.
Set in the dynamic context of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the inaugural IUCN Philanthropy Summit offers a unique platform to mobilize philanthropic capital for a nature-positive future. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, the Philanthropy Summit will convene an invite-only group of leaders ready to innovate, invest boldly, collaborate deeply, and accelerate outcome-focused action that delivers lasting benefits for people and planet alike.
Objectives of the IUCN Philanthropy Summit
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Please note: Registration for the World Conservation Congress does not grant access to the Summit. The Philanthropy summit is upon invitation only with strict security screening.