IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Global Leaders inspire the world

09 October 2008 | International news release

Sustainability leaders from around the world gathered on board Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz’s yacht “Sarah” in Barcelona, where they shared their inspiring ideas and thoughts about the environment and the pressing need to face the global environmental challenge.

The gathering was organized by IUCN West Asia/Middle East Regional Office and hosted by HRH Prince Turki Bin Naser Bin Abdelaziz, Head of the Meteorology and Environment Presidency of Saudi Arabia on October 7.

These conservation leaders shared their success stories and best practices on sustainability within their countries and organizations. The event was held during the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place between 5-14 October, 2008 in Barcelona.

The event started with speeches from Prince Turki and IUCN President Mr Valli Moosa, followed by a short video on the environmental achievements of Saudi Arabia.

“The environment concerns everybody in the world, today it’s the most important issue,” said Prince Turki bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz.

“The well being of nature is linked to the well being of humanity,” said Julia Marton-Lefevre, IUCN Director General.

“The world is asking for an aware leadership,” said Valli Moosa, IUCN President.

“Let’s get humanity to act as educated, decent human beings,” said Ted Turner, Chairman of the United Nations Foundation.

“Renewable energy is the future,” said Achim Steiner, UNEP Under-Secretary-General & Executive Director.

“We have to be engaged, it is our life and the life of our children,” Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

“Together with birds, animals, nature and people life is coming back to Iraq,” said Narmin Othman, Minister of Environment, Iraq.

“With good landscapes and good practices, Yemen is making great efforts to preserve biodiversity,” said Abdul Rahman Al Eryani, Minister of Water and Environment.

“This is a key collective momentum to make a difference for sustainability in the Arab region,” said Odeh Al Jayyousi, Regional Director, IUCN West Asia/Middle East Regional Office.