Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Advances Global Ocean Dialogue at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 15 October 2025: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) played a pivotal role at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 9–15 October, participating in a high-profile global platform that convened leading scientists, policy-makers, educators, artists, and students to address the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. Through a comprehensive programme of panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and student-led initiatives, SUAD underscored its commitment to advancing marine science, sustainability education, and interdisciplinary research.

Academic Leadership in Marine Research

SUAD’s contribution began with an opening session led by Dr. Clio Chaveneau, Head of the SAFIR Research Institute and Associate Professor at SUAD, who introduced the university’s newly launched Ocean Institute, a multidisciplinary centre dedicated to advancing marine studies in the UAE and beyond. The session highlighted the evolution of marine education in the region and emphasized the vital role of collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-making in addressing ocean conservation challenges at both regional and global scales.

A prominent panel, “Marine Conservation in the Arabian Region – Nurturing the Next Generation,” brought together Dr. Giulia De Masi, Associate Professor in the Department of Sciences and Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), alongside experts from Khorfakkan University, Miral Experiences, and the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre. The discussion focused on developing educational pathways, professional opportunities, and mentorship programs to inspire young scientists to pursue careers in marine biology and environmental conservation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Bridging Science, Policy, and Technology

As part of its collaboration with the Archipel Pavilion, the ELYX Foundation’s flagship cultural and sustainability initiative, Dr. Giulia De Masi also led the townhall session, “Marine Biosystem Preservation: Challenges and Technological Pathways.” This session examined the UAE’s critical seagrass and coral reef ecosystems while showcasing innovative restoration and monitoring technologies. Experts from Zayed University, the UAE Dolphin Project, Future Culture, and M42 Health Environmental Sciences joined the discussion, highlighting collaborative approaches to marine ecosystem management.

Further strengthening the science-policy interface, Dr. De Masi participated in an interactive fishbowl session, “Exploring Nature-Based Solutions at the Science–Policy Interface: Can Mangroves Be a Climate Saviour?”, with Dr. Beatriz Garcia, Associate Professor of Law, Economics, and Management at SUAD, and representatives from IUCN and other academic institutions. The session explored mangroves’ role in carbon sequestration, their ecological connectivity to marine environments, and governance frameworks for shared coastal habitats. Groundbreaking blue-carbon research from Abu Dhabi, led by the SUAD Ocean Institute, was highlighted as a model for integrating scientific research with policy solutions.

Art and Sustainability: SYMBIOSIS Exhibition

Adding a creative dimension to its participation, SUAD presented SYMBIOSIS, an art exhibition by postgraduate student Miles Critchley-Hope, pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Law. The exhibition featured intricate photographic collages of emblematic UAE species, including the Arabian Oryx, Gyr Falcon, and spiny-tailed lizard, crafted from detailed images of their natural habitats. The works conveyed both the beauty and vulnerability of UAE wildlife, reflecting the intersection of art, environmental awareness, and sustainability advocacy.

Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
A dedicated team of SUAD student volunteers supported the IUCN Archipel Pavilion throughout the Congress, assisting with guest liaison, cultural mediation, and media coordination. Their active participation demonstrated the university’s emphasis on experiential learning and engagement in real-world sustainability initiatives, enabling students to contribute directly to global conservation efforts.

Institutional Perspective

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said:
“The IUCN World Conservation Congress provided a global stage for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaborative action. Our participation reflects SUAD’s responsibility as a leading academic and research institution to contribute meaningfully to the protection of our oceans and natural ecosystems. Through research, art, and student engagement, we demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration can translate ideas into tangible impact. Our work aligns closely with our global ocean strategy, the French NEPTUNE mission, and the launch of the Ocean Cluster initiative.”

About the IUCN World Conservation Congress

Held every four years by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Congress is one of the world’s most influential environmental gatherings, convening thousands of experts, leaders, and innovators to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainability challenges. SUAD’s contributions to this landmark event underscore the university’s growing role in advancing marine science, environmental education, and global sustainability efforts.