Ruben Khachatryan Takes On the Role of IUCN Regional Councillor: What’s Next?

Following a productive and result-driven gathering at the IUCN Council meetings in Abu Dhabi, Ruben Khachatryan steps into his new role as IUCN Regional Councillor for Eastern Europe, North and Central Asia with a clear vision and a set of priorities closely aligned with IUCN’s Strategic Vision 2045.

“I recently took a close look at IUCN’s 2045 vision, and I am genuinely pleased to see how strongly many of its priorities align with my own mission as Regional Councillor,” Ruben shared. “Our region has extraordinary potential to lead by example.”

He identifies four key areas where regional ambitions and IUCN’s long-term strategy come together.

Ruben's speech at IUCN World Conservation Congress, October 2025

1. Strengthening Community-Led Conservation Across Borders

Armenia’s experience—especially through the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge—has shown how local stewardship can drive ecologically resilient conservation. As Ruben noted, community-based approaches are “at the heart of IUCN’s vision,” and expanding cross-border corridors, shared species recovery programs, and community-driven management will be central to the region’s ecological future.

2. Scaling Nature-Based Solutions and One Health Approaches

In the region, concepts like Nature-based Solutions, One Health, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and water security are not theoretical—they are daily practice. From wetland and forest restoration to regenerative agriculture and linking ecosystem health with human health, the region offers powerful examples that can inform global policy and implementation.

3. Elevating Regional Voices and Ensuring Inclusive Governance

IUCN’s commitment to amplifying voices from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia mirrors work Ruben has led for years. As Councillor, he aims to:

• strengthen cooperation between countries,

• bring new Members into the Union,

• and mobilize diversified funding that reaches communities on the ground.

“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our region is fully represented and meaningfully engaged in global decision-making,” he emphasized.

4. Investing in Environmental Education and Youth Leadership

IUCN places strong emphasis on youth engagement—a commitment Ruben has advanced through the SunChild Eco-Club Network, one of the region’s most extensive environmental education programs. His goal is to scale this model regionally, and many partners have already expressed interest in adopting similar youth-led initiatives.

Looking Ahead: A Regional Opportunity at COP17

Armenia will host CBD COP17 next year—a historic opportunity not only for the country but for the entire region. Ruben sees this as a platform to showcase how biodiversity conservation, community stewardship, and cross-border cooperation can shape global policy.

In the lead-up to COP17, his team is preparing a Symposium on OECMs and Alternative Conservation Models, bringing together governments, experts, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to highlight the region’s innovation in biodiversity governance.

A New Chapter for the Region

As Ruben steps into his role as Councillor, his priorities remain grounded in inclusivity, practical solutions, community empowerment, and regional collaboration. “Our region has so much to contribute,” he says. “This is a moment to come together, share knowledge, and build a strong foundation for the future of biodiversity.”