The IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) is here again! Taking place every four years, this is a landmark event for conservation, science, and nature. In Marseille, France, in 2021, Youth4Nature was on the ground, pushing forward our first Global Youth Statement on NbS.
This year, Congress is taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from October 9-15. Although Youth4Nature does not have an official delegation, Y4N team members and alumni will be there in their own capacities, amplifying youth leadership, bridging silos, and advocating for meaningful resources for youth and frontline leaders. Below, we have highlighted just a few of the events and activities where you can find these leaders, as they make ripples of change through research, partnerships, and community leadership.
All times are local Abu Dhabi
Aiita Joshua Apumaku, Uganda (Y4N Global Ambassador)
Aiita is a Wildlife Biologist and National Geographic Explorer, passionate about protected areas and how they're managed and governed. He holds an MSc. in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford and currently Co-Leads at Terra-NatureWILD Conservation. Find Aiita in Conference Hall B: Session Room 10 on October 11 at 16:30 for “Bridging Science and Story: Turning Data into Impactful Narratives”. See you there!
Cathy Yitong Li, China/UK (Y4N Global Ambassador)
Cathy focuses on international climate and environmental policy, multistakeholder collaboration, and civil society advocacy. She currently leads global climate & energy policy and advocacy at BirdLife International. Join Cathy for “From local to global action: Youth Leadership Across IUCN Commissions” in the IUCN Commissions Knowledge Hub, on October 10 at 15:00. See you in the audience!
Marina Melanidis, Canada/UK (Y4N Founder & Alumni)
Marina is a conservation social scientist, climate justice activist, and a political ecologist. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, exploring the role of private philanthropic foundations in biodiversity conservation finance. Directly connected to her research, Marina will be speaking in the IUCN Youth Pavilion on October 10 at 13:00 for “Funding Futures: Youth-Led Pathways for Biodiversity”. This is not to be missed!
Rachel Boere, Canada (Y4N Finance Director)
Rachel leads at the intersection of climate, nature/biodiversity, and social justice, with over a decade of experience in communications, operations, and programming, spanning local to international impacts. Rachel will be chatting about green and blue jobs during “Youth Development in the Green Jobs Sector” at the Youth Pavilion on October 9 at 15:00. Join the conversation!
Vinamra Mathur, India/USA (Y4N Global Ambassador)
Vinamra focuses on issues at the intersection of forest conservation and policy, with expertise in forest governance, ecosystem services evaluation, and advocacy for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and frontline communities. He will be sharing important reflections during “Bridging Global Ambition and Local Action: The Role of CBD Technical Support Centres” at the IUCN Programme 2026-2029 Pavilion - R2 on October 12 at 12:00. Don’t miss out!