India to Host First Global IBCA Summit 2026 in New Delhi; ‘Delhi Declaration’ on Big Cats in Final Stage

New Delhi: In a significant move for global wildlife conservation, India is preparing to host the first-ever International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 in New Delhi on June 1–2, 2026, bringing together world leaders, conservation specialists, and policymakers on a single platform dedicated to safeguarding big cat species.

A proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’ is currently being finalised ahead of the summit, and if adopted, it will become the first international declaration exclusively centered on the conservation of seven big cat species.

Promotional Film Highlights Global Importance of Big Cat Conservation

The promotional film released for the summit strongly emphasises why big cats matter beyond wildlife protection.

It highlights their contribution to:




  • Maintaining ecological balance

  • Enhancing climate resilience

  • Protecting biodiversity

  • Sustaining healthy ecosystems



The message reinforces that conserving big cats is directly tied to securing the planet’s environmental future.

India to Host First-Ever Global Big Cat Summit

The upcoming summit will be hosted by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India and supported by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The summit will be conducted under the theme: “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem.”

More than 400 participants are expected, including:




  • Heads of State and Government

  • Wildlife conservation scientists

  • Policy specialists

  • Multilateral agencies

  • Corporate representatives

  • Community stakeholders

  • Seven Big Cats in Focus for the First Time



Unlike earlier conservation efforts such as tiger-centric global initiatives, this summit will uniquely address seven big cat species collectively:




  • Tiger

  • Lion

  • Leopard

  • Cheetah

  • Snow Leopard

  • Puma

  • Jaguar



This represents the first global effort to approach big cat conservation within a unified and integrated framework.

‘New Delhi Declaration’ to Be Historic Outcome

A major highlight of the summit will be the proposed ‘New Delhi Declaration’, currently being shaped as a global commitment document on big cat conservation.

If adopted, it will:




  • Be the first international declaration dedicated solely to big cats

  • Strengthen cross-border conservation cooperation

  • Promote landscape-based conservation approaches

  • Encourage shared global responsibility



The declaration aims to synchronise conservation efforts across regions for long-term species survival.

India’s Leadership in Wildlife Conservation Highlighted

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav unveiled the IBCA Summit logo, official website, and promotional film during a high-level event in New Delhi.

He highlighted India’s conservation track record through initiatives such as:




  • Project Tiger

  • Lion and leopard protection programmes

  • Snow leopard conservation efforts

  • Cheetah reintroduction initiatives



He stated that India has shown that development and conservation can progress together.

IBCA Summit to Strengthen Global Partnerships

The summit is expected to:




  • Enhance international cooperation

  • Promote South-South collaboration

  • Align conservation priorities with climate objectives

  • Encourage participation from 95 range countries



Officials noted that big cat range countries not yet part of IBCA are being encouraged to join the alliance to strengthen the global conservation framework.

Global Exhibition and Technical Sessions Planned

Alongside the summit, a curated exhibition will present:




  • Indigenous tribal art and cultural displays

  • Wildlife photography showcases

  • Conservation documentaries

  • Virtual reality experiences



India’s biodiversity conservation models

Technical sessions will follow on June 1–2, 2026, focusing on science, policy frameworks, and on-ground conservation strategies.

Environmental Diplomacy

The IBCA Summit 2026 is being viewed as a landmark global event that could reshape international wildlife conservation policy. With the proposed Delhi Declaration and India’s leadership role, the summit aims to place big cat conservation at the core of global environmental diplomacy.