Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
This year, Emirates Nature-WWF is celebrating 25 years of conservation impact, marking an important chapter for the UAE's environmental journey. 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.
To commemorate the journey, Emirates Nature–WWF hosted the WWF Asia Pacific (AP25) Regional Conference in the UAE for the first time, bringing together environmental leaders from over 30 countries to chart a unified path towards nature-positive development and climate resilience.
Held at Erth Hotel, Abu Dhabi, the event - titled "Mobilising Partnerships to Shape Disaster and Climate Resilience Across the Asia Pacific" - highlighted 25 years of conservation achievement through panel discussions, keynotes, and a preview of a new initiative for building resilience through the Global South.
Chairman of Emirates Nature WWF, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, said the milestone symbolises not only the organisation's commitment to nature, "but to the very essence of life."
He praised partnerships that shaped policy, conserved habitats, and promoted stewardship.
"This chapter comes at a time when unity and collaboration matter more than ever. Together, across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, we face common challenges - but also shared solutions."
He called for continued unity and responsibility, stressing that nature is "our first line of defence."
In her keynote, Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, highlighted the UAE's climate leadership and rich natural landscapes.
"Our deserts, coastlines, and mountains are not only beautiful but serve as homes for biodiversity and sources of resilience. In 2021, we became the first country in the region to commit to net-zero by 2050," Al Dahak said.
Collaboration, she said, is key to tackling escalating climate challenges - and this is where the Emirates Nature-WWF plays a pivotal role.
"It is hard to summarise 25 years of impact," Al Dahak said, noting that the organisation has been "instrumental in nurturing environmental awareness, advocating for nature, and forging partnerships that have stood the test of time."
"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 minister added.
The Legacy of Sheikh Zayed
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.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature–WWF and Chair of WWF AP25, reflected on the organisation's 25-year journey. "Our organisation was founded 25 years ago, and I have been proud to serve nearly 16 of those years. It was developed with the vision to connect people with science and nature, making conservation something personal and community-driven."
She stressed that change happens through collaboration, and that true innovation starts within communities.
Spotlighting the urgency of the climate crisis, she added: "If the past 25 years have taught us anything, it is that transformation is not a future goal; it is already happening. From floods to droughts, we have seen how climate impacts force adaptation. We must build resilience now-both for people and nature."
On the sidelines of the event, Abdullatif spoke to Aletihad, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the gathering.
"This event tonight is really about bringing together partners from across the UAE and the Asia Pacific region, represented by 30 countries here tonight," she said.
"We are looking at cross-border collaboration with our multiple WWF offices, trying to identify where we can form strategic partnerships - such as the one we have with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - that really aim to build community resilience."
The event, she said, was more than a ceremonial gathering; it marked the convergence of humanitarian and environmental goals.
Abdullatif also highlighted the pivotal role the UAE has played in shaping the conservation movement.
"The UAE has been an incredible leader in the conservation space. It was also the foundation for us starting this office. Our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, led a strong legacy of environmental conservation-not only in the UAE but across the world. It's his roots, his legacy, that continues to live within us and all of the conservation work we're leading in this country."
"We are hoping that the next chapter for Emirates Nature–WWF looks at solidifying our roots locally, but also creating impact beyond. We want to make sure that legacy continues to thrive in the years to come," she said.
