Future of global forestry to be discussed in New York
FAO and CPF at UNFF 19
1 May 2024, New York - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), an inter-agency partnership of 16 member organizations permanently chaired by FAO, will contribute to the deliberations of the upcoming 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19).
The Session, taking place from 6 to 10 May at UN headquarters in New York, will discuss progress in the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 and how to adjust course to achieve the plan’s six Global Forest Goals by 2030.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu will deliver an opening speech at the high-level segment involving heads of State and ministers, which is expected to adopt a high-level declaration on the members’ commitments to accelerated action to promote the sustainable management and use of forests.
“This is a crucial chance to take stock and define together how to accelerate global action to achieve the Global Forest Goals and reverse deforestation through sustainable forest management, enhancing the economic, social and environmental benefits of forests worldwide,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division.
The CPF will participate in high-level discussions including a high-level round table on forest-based solutions to the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and a high-level dialogue on achieving globally agreed goals on forests, climate change and biodiversity. The CPF will also propose the theme of the next International Day of Forests to UNFF Members.
High-level events
The CPF will also host a high-level side event: “Harmonizing efforts for forest action by 2030: strengthening the Collaborative Partnership on Forests”. This event will provide an opportunity for discussion on the future direction of the CPF and ways to support members in scaling up their action towards Global Forest Goals.
As co-leads of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will hold a side event on “Sustainable horizons: showcasing progress in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”. The primary objective of this event is to provide policymakers with comprehensive insights into the transformative potential of ecosystem restoration, as exemplified by the UN World Restoration Flagships.
Other side events organized during the week with FAO or CPF participation will cover issues including strategies for integrated fire management, the conservation of primary forests, approaches for specific landscape areas such mountains and community-based forest management.
Midterm review of the International Arrangement on Forests
UNFF 19 will also focus on the midterm review of the International Arrangement on Forests and on three thematic priorities: enhancing forest-based economic, social, and environmental benefits; increasing protected forest areas and sustainable management; and mobilizing financial resources and enhancing cooperation for sustainable forest management.
UNFF is an intergovernmental policy forum established in 2000 to promote the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long term political commitment. A wide range of forest-related stakeholders participate in UNFF sessions, including governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.
The CPF, as part of the International Arrangement on Forests, was created in 2001 to support the work of UNFF and to foster increased cooperation on forests.