ABU DHABI: Emirates Nature–WWF is marking 25 years of environmental achievements in the UAE, continuing a legacy inspired by the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His belief that nature and humanity are deeply connected remains the organisation’s guiding principle.
Established in 2001, Emirates Nature–WWF became the first WWF affiliate in the Middle East, following Sheikh Zayed’s 1997 recognition with WWF’s Golden Panda Award. Over the years, the organisation has led local conservation, tackled climate challenges, and built community-based sustainability initiatives, such as restoring falaj systems and promoting climate-smart farming.
To celebrate this milestone, the WWF Asia Pacific (AP25) Regional Conference was hosted in the UAE for the first time. This major event brought together over 30 countries to build regional partnerships for nature-positive and climate-resilient development.
Chairman Mohammed Al Bowardi called it “a mandate for the future,” while UAE Minister of Climate Change Dr Amna Al Dahak praised Emirates Nature–WWF for shaping “tangible outcomes” and reaffirmed the UAE’s global environmental commitment.
The conference featured a gala under the patronage of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, spotlighting how strategic philanthropy can unlock cross-border solutions. Talks explored the links between climate, nature, and disaster resilience, led by global speakers like WWF International President Dr Adil Najam and IFRC’s Nena Stoiljkovic.
Director-General Laila Abdullatif declared a new chapter for Emirates Nature–WWF as a regional driver of climate and community partnerships, echoing Sheikh Zayed’s belief that responsibility for nature transcends borders.
As the UAE continues to emerge as a hub for strategic giving and conservation, this silver jubilee marks both a celebration—and a call to action—for the planet’s future.
