IUCN is the only institution that brings governments and civil society together with one purpose: to advance sustainable development and create a just world that values and conserves nature. The Union’s diversity, depth and reach give its decisions a powerful mandate and its actions profound impact.
IUCN's over 1,400 Member organisations include States and government agencies at the national and subnational levels, NGOs large and small, indigenous peoples' organisations, scientific and academic institutions and business associations.
Broad and active networks of 16,000+ scientists and experts providing IUCN and its Members with sound know-how and policy advice to drive conservation and sustainable development.
The IUCN Secretariat works under the direction of the Director General to achieve the vision of the Union’s membership. It includes around 1,000 staff in over 50 countries.
A Union in action
Nature 2030: IUCN Programme 2021-2024 marks the culmination of many years of deliberation across the Union. Adopted by democratic vote at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, the Nature 2030 IUCN Programme, for the first time, sets its ambition over ten years. It is a call for mobilisation to our Members, Commissions and Secretariat. This longer-term outlook aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Every four years, IUCN convenes for the IUCN World Conservation Congress where IUCN Members set the global conservation agenda by voting on recommendations and guide the Secretariat’s work by passing resolutions and the IUCN Programme.