World Forestry Congresses have been held under the auspices of FAO since the establishment of the Organization in 1945.

FAO supports the Congresses by: 

• selecting the host country
• being fully involved in the preparation of the Congress - although the main responsibility for organization lies with the host government
• establishing an advisory committee of experts around the world to consult on the theme of the Congress, the structuring of the Technical Programme, and on the identification of invited speakers and authors
• appointing an Associate Secretary-General to work with the Secretary-General from the host country to prepare for the Congress
• assigning staff to collaborate with the host country to deal with the technical programme, including preparation of events, review of the papers and the servicing of Congress sessions
• assisting the host country to widely disseminate outcomes and facilitating any follow-up, including monitoring and reporting at the next Congress on the implementation of recommendations.