Fadi Ghanem, a distinguished environmental activist, has been officially nominated for the esteemed position of Regional Councillor for West Asia at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). His nomination reflects his extensive dedication and unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the region.

At the IUCN West Asia Regional Conservation Forum, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 9-11 September 2024, Fadi Ghanem, the President of the IUCN National Committee of Lebanon, will be announcing his nomination for the IUCN Regional Councillor Seat for West Asia 2025- 2029, hoping to grab the support of IUCN members to endorse this nomination when they will elect a new Council for 2025-2029 during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, that will be held from Thursday 9 to Wednesday 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 

As members of the Council, Regional Councillors serve first and foremost the global interests and well-being of IUCN, fulfilling the functions of the IUCN Council as outlined in the IUCN Statutes, Article 46, and guiding the overall development and implementation of the Union’s worldwide policies and programs in the period between sessions of the World Conservation Congress. Within the above parameters, Regional Councillors provide input to the Council on the interests, priorities, and needs of the IUCN Members in the Regions; they act as IUCN’s ambassadors, working with the President and Director General to advance the interests and Mission of the Union and to promote its services within the Region; Regional Councillors serve as key contact points in the Region, working actively with IUCN Regional and National Committees, IUCN Regional Offices and Members.

The IUCN is a globally recognized authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. The role of the Regional Councillor is pivotal in shaping the conservation agenda, representing regional interests, and ensuring that policies align with global priorities and local needs.

Fadi Ghanem brings over 25 years of experience in environmental advocacy, communication, policy, and sustainable development. He has worked with various national and international organizations to spearhead initiatives that promote biodiversity, protect natural resources, and support sustainable livelihoods. His work has been instrumental in driving significant conservation efforts, particularly in Lebanon and West Asia, where he has collaborated with governments, NGOs, and local communities to implement innovative and impactful environmental projects.

“I am deeply honored to support this nomination and the opportunity to allow Fadi Ghanem to further contribute to the IUCN’s mission of conserving the integrity and diversity of nature,” said Assad Serhal, the holder of IUCN Honorary Membership Award, the Birdlife International Global Councillor and the Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)

“West Asia faces unique environmental challenges, and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to address these issues and foster a sustainable future for the region. I’m glad my nomination has been met with widespread support from environmental advocates, policymakers, and community leaders across West Asia.” Said Ghanem. 

Fadi Ghanem’s nomination underscores the critical role that regional leadership plays in global conservation efforts. His vision for West Asia focuses on enhancing cross-border collaboration, integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, and actively empowering local communities to protect their natural heritage.

The IUCN Congress will address ways to deliver the Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by over 190 countries last December. The Framework comprises targets to scale up the conservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.

The last IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in 2021 in Marseille, France, was attended by almost 6,000 people on-site and over 3,500 participants online. Over 25,000 members of the general public also visited the Exhibition and the Espaces Generations Nature. IUCN’s more than 1,500 Members adopted 148 resolutions and recommendations, such as a call to protect 80% of the Amazon by 2025, to halt deep-sea mining across the oceans, and for the global community to adopt an ambitious One Health approach. The IUCN Climate Crisis Commission was also established.

In the lead-up to IUCN’s Regional Conservation Forums (RCFs) this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and in preparation for the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, IUCN Members in West Asia are encouraged to showcase their conservation initiatives on IUCN’s Contributions for Nature Platform.  The platform was launched in 2022 to allow IUCN Members to document where they are undertaking (or planning to undertake) conservation and restoration actions. The platform overlays data on biodiversity and nature-based solutions to climate change to show the conservation impact of these efforts. This allows IUCN constituents to document their contributions to IUCN’s Nature 2030 Programme and, by extension, to other environmental frameworks and agreements such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).