Shape the future of local action towards global goals
Subnational actors are of vital importance in conserving biodiversity and protecting nature.
The vision and action of cities, regions, states, provinces, territories, and other subnational governments is essential in achieving shared global climate and biodiversity goals. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recognizes that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is critical in achieving the biodiversity targets set forth by Parties of the convention. COP 17 reporting against Global Biodiversity Framework targets, as well as other goals for 2030 within the GBF are rapidly approaching.
Recognizing the central role that subnational governments play in conservation leadership, IUCN Members passed a historic resolution at the 2020 WCC (WCC 2020 Dec 138) to include subnational governments in the membership of IUCN. As of June 2025, there are 27 subnational government IUCN Members. A motion will be put forth in Abu Dhabi this year to include in IUCN’s mandate the development of a subnational strategy. From Quebec, to Catalonia, from the Province of Carchi in Ecuador to the City of Paris, interest is building among other subnational leaders to join this movement.
Attached, you will find a document presenting the key initiatives of local and territorial authorities who are members of the IUCN in the field of biodiversity. This document highlights the concrete actions and partnerships developed by local authorities to address global conservation challenges.
IUCN’s inaugural Subnational Leader Delegation at the 2025 WCC is assembling expertise to shape the future of subnational conservation leadership
This delegation includes IUCN Subnational Government Members, as well as subnational leaders considering IUCN membership. Supporters of government members, such as civil society organizations, Commissions experts and other representatives, are also invited to learn about opportunities for subnational governments in IUCN’s work on biodiversity policy. Delegate cohort will also have the opportunity to remain connected for CBD and UNFCCC COPs among other global policy events and negotiations.
The IUCN Subnational Leader Delegation will benefit from a curated and supported track throughout the WCC, including:
- Informal Meet and Greet with Subnational Leader Delegation members on 9 October;
- Gathering of IUCN Subnational Government Members in the Pavillon France on 11 October to raise visibility among subnational members globally;
- High-profile central stage announcements of new subnational members and partnerships on 10 October;
- Regional dialogues on multilevel governance and implementation throughout the week;
- Deep dive on technical elements and forward planning of IUCN's strategy to help subnational actors engage in global policy on 12 October in the Programme Pavilion;
- A co-design workshop on 13 October to help shape IUCN’s Subnational Strategy;
- Thematic Forum and Exhibition sessions throughout the week highlighting subnational conservation leadership and tools and resources available to subnational actors at a local and global level;
Draft Programme Daily Calendar
(Updated 8 October)
The IUCN Subnational Leader Delegation will also have the opportunity to:
- Get support from a dedicated delegation guide who will provide an introductory briefing and keep the group connected on-site;
- Gain insight into the IUCN Members' Assembly, motions processes, and voting (for new or future IUCN Members);
- Connect to a focused network of 20-30 subnational leaders for sustained knowledge sharing and partnerships beyond the WCC.
For awareness, several motions to be considered by the Members' Assembly have been identified relating specifically to subnational actors:
