Creating a healthy future for wildlife relies on the leadership of local people who are shaping conservation in their home countries. Through Rising Wildlife Leaders, WCN empowers local conservationists by providing them with financial support, educational resources and professional training, hands-on experiences, invaluable mentorship opportunities, and access to peer support networks. This commitment to nurturing the next generation was front and center at this year’s IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.

Laura Gruber, Senior Programs Manager, and Nina Attias, Rising Wildlife Leaders Manager, who leads WCN’s Amazonia Program, represented WCN at the Congress this year. 

Conservation Leadership and Conversations on Disruptive Innovation

On October 10, 2025, Gruber and Attias participated in a compelling conversation titled “Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation.” Hosted by the Global Environment Facility, this 45-minute session brought together young conservation leaders and the GEF Secretariat to explore how bold, innovative approaches can address today’s most pressing environmental and conservation challenges.

Participants shared groundbreaking solutions for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development, reflecting WCN’s commitment to supporting innovative  conservationists who are reshaping the field.

The following day, October 11, WCN continued its engagement in another collaborative session, further strengthening connections between emerging conservation leaders and established institutions. 

Following the conference, Gruber and Attias facilitated a two-day Conservation Leadership workshop for the Fonseca Leadership Program.

WCN’s Vision for the Future

For WCN, participating in the IUCN World Conservation Congress was an opportunity to amplify the voices of local conservationists. By fostering networks, exchanging ideas, and championing innovative thinking, WCN demonstrated its core philosophy: that supporting passionate, innovative leaders on the ground with community-driven approaches is essential to creating a lasting future for wildlife and people. 

These events underscored WCN’s role as both a connector between supporters and conservationists and a catalyst within the global conservation community.