The World Conservation Congress

The World Conservation Congress is the general assembly of IUCN members, which takes place every three to four years. The Congress combines the business of the Union with technical conservation fora and provides an opportunity for the sharing of information and experience among IUCN's worldwide constituency of members, Commission members, stakeholders and partner organizations. The Congress encompasses three principal elements: conducting the business of the Union, assessing the work of IUCN Commissions and taking stock of conservation.

The main functions of the World Conservation Congress are to:

  • define the general policy of IUCN;
  • make recommendations to governments and to national and international organizations on any matter related to the objectives of IUCN;
  • receive and consider the reports of the Director General, the Treasurer, the Chairs of Commissions and recognized Regional Committees and Fora;
  • receive the auditors report and approve the audited accounts;
  • consider and approve the Programme and financial plan for the period until the next ordinary session of the World Congress;
  • determine the dues of members of IUCN;
  • determine the number of Commissions and their mandates;
  • elect the President, Treasurer, Regional Councillors and Chairs of Commissions.

The Congress further provides:

  • a forum for debate on how best to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable;
  • an opportunity for contact and informal exchanges between representatives of IUCN's members, Commission members and the wider IUCN constituency.