The IBCA Summit 2026 marks a defining moment in global efforts to conserve Big Cats, as it will, for the first time, provide a dedicated international forum where world leaders gather solely to engage in dialogue and decision‑making on the conservation of Big Cats across their range landscapes worldwide.
Unlike thematic biodiversity conferences that address species within broader frameworks, the IBCA Summit places all major Big Cats at the very heart of the global sustainability discourse, recognizing big cat conservation as fundamental to protect biodiversity, water security, climate mitigation and the livelihoods of local communities.
The Summit will convene Heads of State/Government from member and observer range countries of IBCA, along with over 400 participants, including senior officials from Big Cat range countries, conservationists, policymakers, scientists, representatives of multilateral agencies, financial institutions, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders from around the world.
The Summit's principal outcome will be the adoption of the first ever global Declaration on Big Cat Conservation — The Delhi Declaration. This Declaration will serve as a unified policy framework to guide enhanced international cooperation for the protection of Big Cats and the ecosystems they sustain.
Hosted under the aegis of Government of India and IBCA, the Summit underscores leadership in global wildlife conservation and positions it as a central platform for structured collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization for big cat conservation worldwide.