Mediating for Conservation: CIC Opens General Assembly with Focus on Dialogue, Diplomacy, and the Future of Hunting

The 71st General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) officially opened today in Doha, Qatar under the theme “Mediation”—a concept that resonates deeply with hunters as stewards of nature and as intermediaries in policy, land management, and public dialogue.

Held in the heart of a region steeped in cultural heritage and diplomatic tradition, the General Assembly brings together CIC Members from over 80 countries, including heads of state delegations, conservation experts, youth leaders, journalists, and policymakers.

Opening Ceremony: Diplomacy Begins at the Local Level

The Assembly was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saud Al-Thani, CIC Head of Delegation for Qatar, who welcomed participants with a call to “work together in dialogue and partnership.” Dr. Philipp Harmer, President of the CIC, underscored the organisation’s commitment to building consensus between communities, governments, and conservation actors. H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Qatar’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change inaugurated the assembly.

High-Level Panel: Diplomatically Engaging with Diverging Opinions

Ambassador Dr. Wolfgang Friedrich Ischinger, President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, and senior political representatives explored how the principles of diplomacy apply to conservation. The discussion acknowledged the increasing polarisation around sustainable use and emphasised hunters’ role as constructive agents of mediation. He was followed by H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Qatar’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change who spoke on Qatar’s strategy for future engagement,

Political Advocacy in Practice

UK House of Lords member Lord Benjamin Mancroft delivered a powerful keynote on the political challenges facing sustainable hunting. He was joined by Charlie Jacoby (Fieldsports Channel) and Ed Swales (Hunting Kind), who highlighted how media and policy advocates must proactively reframe public understanding of conservation through use.

This was followed by a session which moved the dialogued from the global to the locakl sphere and highlighted the role of Chambord in promoting diplomacy through hunting, by Pierre Dubreuil, Director General of the famed French Presidential Hunting Grounds.

Environmental and Policy Voices

Senior speakers including Dr. Zoltán Kovács, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, and national security expert Ivan Calabuig-Williams explored the environmental and geopolitical dimensions of hunting and land-use policy. Their message was clear: in an era of climate instability, hunters must be recognised as frontline mediators in both ecological and political arenas.

Stakeholder Panel: From Conflict to Collaboration

In a forward-looking session moderated by CIC’s Tristan Breijer, the panel “Mediating the Future of Hunting” featured:

• Jürgen Tack, Secretary-General, European Landowners’ Organization
• Carl von Eckermann, CEO, Natlink
• Niels Søndergaard, Danish Hunting Association
• Sue Reid, Daily Mail, UK

Discussions focused on how stakeholder engagement and transparency are key to securing public trust and policy continuity in sustainable hunting.

Youth in Action

The afternoon concluded with the Young Opinion (YO) Session, where Krzysztof Kowalewski, President of YO, and Alexandros Karabalis, Vice-President, presented the results of global youth surveys, research, and public outreach on sustainable use. The next generation of conservation leaders is not only informed—they are driving the conversation.

Evening Highlights: Presidential Reception and Welcome Dinner

The day culminated with a Presidential Reception hosted at the Spanish Embassy and the official Welcome Dinner at The Ned Doha.

What’s Next – Day 2 Focus: Falconry and Cultural Heritage

Tomorrow, the Assembly turns to falconry—a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage. Topics include falconry’s conservation impact, veterinary science, and heritage safeguarding. Experts from Qatar, the UAE, Europe, and civil society will explore how ancient traditions can contribute to modern biodiversity goals.

Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
[email protected]
+44 781 408 7423
www.cic-wildlife.org