University of Glasgow Awards Honorary Doctorate to Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow. Elected as the first woman from the West Asia region to lead the IUCN in its 72-year history, Al Mubarak received the title of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the humanities. The awarding ceremony took place on 4 July at the university’s Dumfries campus.

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In her acceptance speech, Al Mubarak addressed the graduating class with a heartfelt message: "Fellow graduates, like many of you here, Nature is my calling. In nature, I always felt a deep sense of belonging, and in this belonging, a profound sense of purpose, identity, and connectivity. I never imagined that this calling could or would define my career, yet here I am, profoundly grateful. You will all chart your unique paths of purpose and impact. But if there is one thing I can confer to you, it is to always stay true to what you believe in. Through your sincerity, determination, and humility, you will influence the thoughts, policies, and actions urgently needed to address the planetary crises of nature loss and climate change. Although we often take for granted that we are the greatest beneficiaries of nature’s bounty, we must always remember that we are also the custodians holding its future in our hands. Class of 2024, let your conscience be your guide, and your passion your companion in nurturing our beautiful yet underappreciated world."

Professor Bethan Wood, Professor of Ecology and Deputy Head of the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, praised Al Mubarak’s dedication to inclusivity and her focus on Indigenous Communities. "Razan puts inclusivity at the core of her action, particularly with respect to Indigenous Communities,” she stated.

Professor Wood also highlighted Al Mubarak's emphasis on the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate change. "As a Professor of Ecology, I was encouraged to see on International Day for Biological Diversity Razan emphasising the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate change in an editorial article. Her message as the President of the IUCN is simply that everyone on the planet must be a part of the plan to achieve the actions on climate change and biodiversity loss so that we all can look forward to a sustainable and resilient future."

This honor not only recognizes Al Mubarak’s exceptional contributions but also underscores the importance of her ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and sustainability. Her leadership at the IUCN continues to inspire many, highlighting the crucial role of inclusivity and global cooperation in addressing the pressing issues of our time.