Dr. Vasanti Rao
Candidate for Chair – IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC)
Weaving Connections. Fostering Belonging. Leading Together.
With deep respect and gratitude, I am offering myself for the position of Chair of IUCN Commission on Education & Communication (CEC) 2026-2030.
For over three decades, I've dedicated my life to connecting people, sectors, and stories across geographies through impactful communication, inclusive education, and innovative partnerships. My vision is to empower communities to protect nature by fostering deep emotional, cultural, and social connections.
A New Chapter for Conservation
On World Environment Day, I am delighted to share my candidacy for Chair of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC).
My journey has taken me across continents, from working with grassroots communities to engaging in global forums. Everywhere, I have witnessed the transformative power of nature-based education and strategic communication in inspiring meaningful, lasting environmental action.
I look forward to your support and vote as we work together to strengthen the role of education and communication in conservation worldwide.
My Mandate for IUCN CEC
My belief is simple yet powerful:
"When people feel connected—emotionally, culturally, socially—to nature, they protect it."
As Chair, my goal will be:
Amplify diverse and underrepresented voices.
Strengthen collaborative action across regions and sectors.
Deepen a sense of belonging within the global CEC community.
Leading with Impact at CEC
What do I bring to IUCN?
My Vision for CEC (2026–2030)
A clear five-point strategy to ensure collective impact:
Advance Nature-Based Education:
Scale successful nature-learning models globally, embedding them into key policy dialogues.
Grow the #NatureForAll Movement:
Engage youth, indigenous communities, and urban populations through immersive storytelling and innovative technologies.
Revitalize Conservation Communication:
Enhance messages through cultural narratives, indigenous knowledge, and behavioral insights, making them emotionally resonant and impactful.
Foster Cross-Pillar Collaboration:
Build stronger connections across IUCN Commissions, Members, and the Secretariat to achieve maximum collective impact.
Seed & Scale Action:
Launch an Innovation Fund to empower members' innovative projects and increase regional capacity and visibility.
IUCN CEC Webinar Series
Youth in Conservation: Engaging with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
July 2025
Inspiring Conservation Action: The Power of Exploration and Behaviour Change Communication
July 2025
Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development
May 2025
Regenerating Earth: Grassroots Stewards for Planetary Wellbeing in the Global South
April 2025
I hereby on behalf of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) and one of the IUCN CEC members endorse Dr Vasanti's nomination.
Divine Ntiokam
With your support & vote:
We have stronger connections.
Foster deeper
belonging.
Lead transformative action—together.