The second World Forum on Urban Forests in Washington, DC, October 2023

Building on the success of its first edition in Mantua, Italy, in 2018, the second World Forum on Urban Forests (WFUF), convened in Washington, DC (the United States of America) on 16–20 October 2023, on the theme “Greener, Healthier and Happier Cities for All”. Its primary goal was to bring together urban forest experts to exchange knowledge on advancing sustainable and resilient urban development, harnessing the potential of urban forests and fostering a healthier, more sustainable and more inclusive future for urban communities. The second WFUF served as a celebration and global platform where everyone could share experiences, best practices and lessons learned, emphasizing collaboration in the development of urban forestry strategies. 

Co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Arbor Day Foundation, Politecnico di Milano, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the District Department of Transportation of Washington, DC, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Smithsonian Gardens and the Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology (SISEF), the forum drew over 1 200 participants from 61 countries to Washington, DC. The secretariat of the Urban and Peri-urban Forestry Working Group of Silva Mediterranea was among the participants.  

The forum featured over 120 presentations across plenary and parallel sessions, delivering a comprehensive overview of urban forestry within the overarching themes of health, inclusivity and resilience. There were many opportunities for reflection on the challenges, opportunities and potential of urban forests, and on how they can improve the quality of life of city dwellers by contributing to economic development, environmental conservation, climate mitigation and adaptation, community resilience and social cohesion, public involvement, and improved human health and well-being. Speakers showcased inspiring examples of planning, design and management approaches that optimize these contributions of urban forests. 

Each day began with a wake-up call and presentations by high-level keynote speakers, followed by thematic parallel sessions addressing innovation, planning, design and management, knowledge sharing, ecosystem products and services, accessibility, and social and cultural services. Distinguished guests provided valuable insights and inspiration throughout the sessions: Ali Zaidi, National Climate Adviser to the President of the United States of America and Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Quality of the White House both highlighted the crucial role of equitable distribution of goods and services from urban forests and trees. Each day ended with a high-level discussion panel, which provided a platform for lively debate, allowing participants to exchange ideas with renowned experts in the field. 

On the fourth day, participants got a chance to experience urban forestry for themselves during field visits, including walking tours of iconic locations like the Architect of the Capitol grounds, the Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden, which showcased practical examples of urban green planning and management. The final day, dedicated to the Cities Forum, focused on the Tree Cities of the World (TCoW) Programme – a collaborative effort between FAO and Arbor Day Foundation, launched during the first WFUF – and the acceleration of climate action in cities. Panel discussions involved city administrators, representatives from TCoW cities such as Auckland, Bogota and Kampala, and various organizations committed to advancing urban forestry and improving climate resilience. 

The second WFUF also served as the launchpad for a new FAO publication entitled “Urban forests: a global perspective,” providing an overview of the current state of urban forestry worldwide.  

The Forum concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Washington, DC Declaration at the closing ceremony. An additional goal of the forum was indeed to raise awareness about the connection between urban forests and environmental justice, as urban forests should not only be accessible but also inclusive, equitably distributed and multifunctional. Efforts should thus be made to foster equal and equitable access to their benefits and to accommodate physical, social and cultural differences among potential users. The Washington, DC Declaration calls for intensified efforts to ensure equitable access to green benefits in urban areas globally, and to address climate change and biodiversity loss. It also provides recommendations for decision-makers in urban planning and development, and emphasizes the collective goal of maximizing the benefits of urban forests for happier, greener, and more inclusive and resilient cities.  

The second WFUF was the largest conference on urban forests ever held, and the participants overwhelmingly praised the forum and considered it a great success. Looking ahead, the next WFUF is tentatively planned for 2027, underscoring the initiative's commitment to continue to improve urban forestry worldwide going forward. In conclusion, the WFUF stands as a robust and enduring initiative and a dynamic platform continuously promoting knowledge sharing, nurturing partnerships and inspiring collaboration. The initiative works tirelessly towards the shared goal of enhancing urban forests on a global scale to make cities more sustainable, resilient and inclusive. 

Michela Conigliaro (FAO) and Luca Lombi (FAO)