IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi: ISO20121 Certification
IUCN is committed to delivering the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 as an ambitious benchmark in sustainable event management. The Congress will be guided by a comprehensive Sustainability Policy, underpinned by the internationally recognised ISO 20121 standard, which provides the central framework for planning and delivering a sustainable event.
Our Work With
Client: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Our Role: Joint sustainability and ISO 20121 implementation consultants
In Partnership With: Green Événements
Service Package: Full strategy and ISO 20121 system development, implementation & certification support
Timeline: 2024 – 2025
Challenge:
To design and implement a comprehensive ISO 20121-compliant Sustainable Event Management System for an influential, global conservation congress, hosted in Abu Dhabi, a destination actively advancing its sustainability credentials. The goal: to build internal capacity, engage the regional supply chain, and deliver a fully certified, high-impact event in alignment with IUCN’s global mission.
Our Approach:
- Formed a joint expert consortium between GDS-Movement and Green Événements, leveraging deep ISO experience and UAE regional knowledge
- Initiated a 20-month roadmap (August 2024–October 2025) to build, train, and implement a full sustainable event management system
- Conducted an in-depth gap analysis and stakeholder consultation aligned with ISO 20121:2024
- Co-created a tailored Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan across 10operational areas
- Delivered customised training for IUCN staff and suppliers
- Supported supplier engagement, documentation development, and internal auditing
- Prepared for third-party ISO 20121 certification during the live event in Abu Dhabi
Key Milestones
- Strategy development, scope definition, and materiality mapping completed
- Capacity building workshops delivered to IUCN teams and priority suppliers
- Stakeholder listening report and diagnostic matrix delivered
- ISO-compliant documentation and internal audit protocols underway
- Final certification process to take place on-site at the IUCN Congress in October 2025
- A comprehensive post-event sustainability report to be published with lessons learned and future guidance
IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi: ISO20121 Certification
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