Abu Dhabi - Nepal’s environmental leadership, Ms. Roshani Adhikari Pathak, an environmental journalist and conservation advocate, 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 the 2026–2029 term.

The election took place during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15, where seven candidates from India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, and Nepal contested for five available regional seats.

Ms. Pathak brings more than 20 years of experience in biodiversity protection, climate change advocacy, and gender-inclusive conservation practices. A former President of the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) and board member of SMCRF, she has consistently promoted science-based and community-inclusive approaches to conservation.

Nepal's participation in the Congress was marked by active involvement from both government and non-government representatives. The official delegation was led by Mr. Bed Kumar Dhakal, Deputy Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, along with Ms. Ranjita Dahal, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi. His Excellency Mr. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE, attended the Congress' opening ceremony.

In a notable side event, a “Red Panda Carpet” campaign was launched by a Nepali non-governmental organization in collaboration with Red Panda Network Nepal. The event, inaugurated by Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Dahal, aimed to raise awareness on the conservation of the endangered red panda.

Additionally, on October 12, the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi organized an interaction program with the Nepali delegation attending the Congress. The event fostered dialogue on Nepal’s contributions to global conservation efforts and strategies for strengthening international collaboration.

The IUCN Congress also re-elected H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak of the United Arab Emirates as President for the 2026–2029 term. The Congress, held every four years, serves as a key platform for governments, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, scientists, and private sector representatives to shape the global agenda for conservation and sustainable development.

This year’s Congress focused on the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, regional cooperation, and accelerating nature-positive actions.

Nepal, known for its ecological diversity—from the Terai plains to the Himalayas—is home to endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger,anda, and snow leopard.  red p The country supports about 3.2% of the world’s flora and 1.1% of its fauna, making it a crucial contributor to global biodiversity. However, Nepal remains highly vulnerable to climate change, as seen in recent disasters in Ilam, emphasizing the need for global support, climate adaptation, and resilient communities.

With Ms. Pathak’s election to IUCN’s regional leadership, Nepal is poised to play a more prominent role in shaping environmental policy and conservation strategies at the regional and global levels.