Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, attended the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as guest of honor.
Upon her arrival, Princess Lalla Hasnaa was welcomed by Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education in the United Arab Emirates.
In her opening address, Princess Lalla Hasnaa stated that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who has made environmental protection and ecosystem preservation a national priority, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has translated this royal vision into “concrete and measurable actions.”
“Our mission is founded on the ambition to integrate education for sustainable development and the preservation of natural ecosystems into public policy, business practices, and civic engagement,” she said. “This conviction stems from a fundamental truth that guides us: protecting biodiversity is organically linked to education and citizen participation.”
She emphasized that preserving ecosystems and promoting education for sustainable development are inseparable pillars of a single ambition, building a better future based on knowledge, responsibility, and solidarity.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa underlined that the success of environmental policies depends on citizen participation, particularly that of local communities and vulnerable populations. “Giving a voice to these communities and supporting their preservation efforts is essential to ensuring a just and inclusive ecological transition,” she affirmed.
This spirit, she explained, is reflected in the Foundation’s programs, such as the Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment initiatives, which teach children and young people that biodiversity protection is not a secondary issue but a vital condition for their future.
The Princess also pointed to several initiatives that embody the Foundation’s inclusive approach, including the B7ar Bla Plastic campaign launched in 2019, which “mobilized entire communities, citizens, NGOs, and companies, around a shared goal: reducing plastic pollution in our oceans and protecting marine life.”
She also cited the Marrakech Palm Grove Preservation and Development Program and the rehabilitation of Ramsar Sites such as Marchica, Oued Eddahab, and Dakhla.
Continuing in this innovative spirit, she said, the Foundation is exploring new avenues to promote ecosystem preservation through sport, which she described as “a universal language that inspires collective values and has the power to raise awareness and engage young people in environmental stewardship.”
Turning to the younger generation, Princess Lalla Hasnaa addressed young people, especially those in Africa, saying that they are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are already shaping the present.
“In this journey, technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, will play an increasing role,” she said. “AI can help us better understand ecosystems, anticipate risks, and design solutions once thought impossible. But it is you, the youth, who must ensure that these tools are used ethically and inclusively, serving both humanity and nature.”
She concluded by affirming that “education, mobilization, innovation, and youth are the levers that will transform this vision into tangible reality.”
The opening ceremony, chaired by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also featured speeches by Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Amna Al Dhahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Razan Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN.
Following the ceremony, Princess Lalla Hasnaa met with Sylvia Earle, American oceanographer, marine biologist, and president of the NGO Mission Blue, as well as IUCN Ambassador. She then visited the pavilions of the United Arab Emirates, the IUCN, and Africa.
Bringing together heads of state, ministers, international leaders, and experts from across the globe, the IUCN World Conservation Congress serves as a global platform to align efforts toward nature conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
MWN with MAP
