State of the World’s Birds Report launching at the Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi, on September 11

BirdLife International has announced that it will launch its latest State of the World’s Birds Report in Nairobi on 11 September 2026 during the Global Flyways Summit.

The President of Kenya, Dr William Ruto and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan, will be gracing this important nature conservation-oriented event taking place in East Africa.

The flagship report, published every four years, will focus on migratory bird populations and help inform discussions on international cooperation and conservation action across the world’s major flyways.

Migratory birds are among the world’s most visible indicators of ecosystem health, linking habitats, communities and economies across national borders.

The State of the World’s Birds Report is expected to provide one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of migratory birds worldwide.

Drawing on BirdLife International’s global scientific data and expertise, it will examine population trends, extinction risk and the condition of the critical habitats that support migratory species throughout their annual journeys.

Birds know no borders

Every wetland, feeding ground and resting site along a flyway is a vital link in a connected chain.

When a single site is lost, migration becomes more difficult and survival more uncertain.

That is why conservation efforts must span entire flyways, not individual countries.

Therefore the report assesses the state of Key Biodiversity Areas and other critical habitats along the world’s major flyways, while examining the mounting pressures facing migratory birds, including the growing threats to migratory shorebirds, one of the most threatened groups of birds globally.

Co-hosted by BirdLife International and Nature Kenya, the Global Flyways Summit will culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Flyways Declaration, informed by the findings of the State of the World’s Birds Report.

Together, the report and declaration will create a unique science-to-action pathway, translating evidence into concrete commitments for conservation across the world’s migratory flyways.

… Same feathers?

The declaration will bring together governments, institutions, funders and conservation partners to commit to specific policy, conservation and financial actions to safeguard migratory birds and the ecosystems on which they depend.

The findings of the report will provide the evidence base for discussions at the Global Flyways Summit, where governments, scientists, conservation organisations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and international institutions will consider priorities for protecting migratory species and the habitats that sustain them.

“Migratory birds connect countries, continents and cultures through some of the most remarkable journeys in the natural world,” said Martin Harper, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife International.

Located along the African-Eurasian Flyway, one of the world’s most important migratory routes connecting Africa, Europe and Asia, Kenya provides a fitting venue for a global discussion on the future of migratory birds and the ecosystems on which they depend.

“Nature Kenya is proud to co-host this important global gathering,” said Dr Paul Matiku, Executive Director of Nature Kenya.

“As a country situated along the African-Eurasian Flyway, we see first-hand the importance of international cooperation in conserving migratory species. The Global Flyways Summit provides an opportunity for Africa to help lead a global response, one that is informed by science and focused on delivering tangible commitments for birds, biodiversity and people.”

Senior representatives of the Government of Kenya, international institutions and the global conservation community are expected to participate in summit events.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan, Global Ambassador and President of BirdLife International, will play a leading role alongside other international conservation leaders.