International Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platforms, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), or international agreements and bodies such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) offer insights into how internationally-led research creates opportunities for innovative policy design for conservation and sustainability. International Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platforms are indispensable for innovative policy design in conservation and sustainability, through the inclusion or co- production among diverse disciplines and knowledge systems to deliver  policy options, solutions and best evidence on how to protect and recover Nature while at the same time, contributing to achieve other global  sustainability goals. Thousands  of scientists and knowledge holders  from around the world invest countless hours to assess the most current scientific advances for tackling the most pressing conservation and environmental problems. By bridging the gap between science and policy, these platforms enable informed decision-making, foster international collaboration, and drive the development of effective strategies to address global conservation and sustainability challenges.  


International Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platforms have been changing towards more inclusive approaches, especially taking into consideration the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. By including the multiple/Diverse values and knowledge systems of wider social sectors, these platforms are developing innovative ways for designing more grounded policies while tackling more specific conservation issues. It is by considering the socio-economic implications of conservation and sustainability issues that these platforms help policymakers design interventions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable. However, these international efforts face several significant challenges in designing  and agreeing effective conservation policies. These challenges can hinder their ability to influence policy-making and implement strategies for sustainable development and conservation. The perils of long review processes, international and transdisciplinary teams coordination, as well as the many barriers related to the wide array of stakeholders involved, communication and monitoring challenges, also pose important barriers to the design and implementation of policies for conservation and sustainability. This symposium includes presentations highlighting the importance of specific negotiations, assessments, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platforms and their products for delivering  meaningful conservation and sustainability policies. It is designed for showcasing the most important conservation outcomes of these international efforts, their implementation successes and oversights, knowledge gaps, main implementation barriers and their potential for building options for a more sustainable world.