News published:  16 May 2023

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organizations. By harnessing the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the input of some 15,000 experts, IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Dr. Kira Mileham, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships for the IUCN Species Survival Commission will deliver the Class of 1945 Lecture, focusing on IUCN’s work to engage botanic gardens, zoos and aquariums in global conservation efforts. Following the lecture, there will be a discussion between Dr. Mileham and Dr. Christopher Dunn, E.N. Wilds Executive Director of Cornell Botanic Gardens, chair of the IUCN National Committee for the U.S. and the North American councilor for the International Association of Botanic Gardens.

This online lecture is free but pre-registration is required. Please register through the following link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s9uFx2xjQte17gtp8lvspw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the online lecture. The lecture will be recorded and available for viewing online after the live broadcast. Participants in the live presentation will have the opportunity to pose questions.

Dr. Kira Mileham is the Global Director of Strategic Partnerships for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC). In this role, Dr Mileham is globally responsible for strengthening the collaborative species conservation efforts of IUCN SSC’s extensive network of 9,000+ scientific experts by connecting them with Zoos, Aquariums, Botanic Gardens, NGOs, Corporate partners and Government Agencies. She is a matchmaker for species conservationists worldwide.

Kira is also a formal adviser on the Global Council of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and in 2022 was voted one of the top ten influencers in the global zoo and aquarium community. Kira holds degrees in Conservation Ecology, Public Relations and Journalism, and a PhD in human behaviour change and impact evaluation from the University of Newcastle, Australia.