Press Release: Nepali Candidate elected as the Regional Councillor of IUCN

Nepali Candidate Ms. Roshani Adhikari Pathak has been elected as one of the Regional Councillors for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) from the East and South Asia Region for 2026–2029. The election took place during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October, where seven candidates from the region, including India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, and Nepal, competed for five Regional Councillor Seats.

Ms. Roshani Pathak Adhikari, an experienced environmental journalist and conservation advocate from Nepal, brings over two decades of experience in biodiversity protection, climate action, and gender equality. A former President of NEFEJ and Board Member of SMCRF, she has championed inclusive, science-based conservation.

His Excellency Mr. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Ambassador of Nepal to the United Arab Emirates, attended the opening ceremony of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, 2025. Nepali delegation, comprising representatives from both government and non-government sectors, actively participated in the Congress. Mr. Bed Kumar Dhakal Deputy Director of Department of National Parks and Wild Life Conservation and Head of the delegation, and Ms. Ranjita Dahal, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, represented the Government of Nepal at the Congress, whereas other participants represented the Non-government sectors of Nepal.

Non-state organization from Nepal also organized the launching of the Red Panda Carpet event in collaboration with Red Panda Network Nepal at the IUCN congress 2025. Ms. Ranjita Dahal, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy, inaugurated the Red Panda Carpet event at the sidelines of the Congress. Similarly, the Embassy of Nepal also organized an interaction program with Nepali Delegation to the IUCN Congress on 12 October 2025 at the Embassy.

The Members’ Assembly of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) elected new leadership and country representatives for the 2026–2029 terms. These elections mark a significant milestone as IUCN moves forward with its new four-year Programme and the recently adopted 20-year Strategic Vision.

H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak of the United Arab Emirates was re-elected for a second term as IUCN President, for 2026–2029 period.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, held every four years, brings together governments, indigenous groups, civil society, the private sector, scientists, and experts to set the conservation and sustainable development agenda. The 2025 Congress focuses on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework, regional equity, and accelerating nature-positive action.

Nepal, spanning from the Terai plains to the Himalayan peaks, is a country of immense ecological richness, home to iconic and endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, red panda, and snow leopard, and supporting nearly 3.2% of the world’s flora and 1.1% of its fauna. Despite this natural wealth, Nepal remains highly vulnerable to climate change, as recent disasters in Ilam have shown, highlighting the need for climate adaptation, community resilience, and global cooperation. Committed to a sustainable, climate-resilient future, Nepal integrates scientific innovation, traditional knowledge, and Indigenous wisdom in its active engagement with IUCN-led conservation initiatives at both regional and global levels.

Embassy of Nepal

Abu Dhabi

15 October 2025