(1st meeting) UN Forum on Forests, 21st session (UNFF21)

Dear colleagues, we are going to start.
Please have a seat.
I see we are ready.
Thank you.
I call to order the first meeting of the United Nations Forum on Forests at its 21st session.
His Excellency, Mr.
Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council, from my right.
Her Excellency, Ms.
Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, again, from my right.
Misses Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy coordination in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations.
Misses Juliette Biao, my dear friend, Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forest.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
Ladies and gentlemen, As the chairs, it is a great honor for me to welcome you to the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.
By the way, my name is Ismaid Vlan, I'm a forester from Turkey.
Since its establishment in 2000, UNFF has served as the only global intergovernmental platform dedicated to policy dialogue, cooperation, and shared action on all types of forest.
Beyond political, beyond formal meetings and negotiated text, UNFF is also a place where the forestry community comes together.
Representatives of member states, experts, practitioners, international and regional organizations, major groups, civil society, youth, women, indigenous peoples, local communities, scientists, and the private sectors.
Through plenary discussions, side events, bilateral meetings, and informal exchanges, we share knowledge, build trust, create partnerships, and learn from one another's experiences.
This spirit of dialogue and cooperation is one of the forum's real strength.
Dear colleagues, Forests are essential for people, economies and the planets.
They support livelihoods, food, water, energy, biodiversity, climate regulation, clean air, disaster risk reduction, rural development, cultural identity, and human well being.
At the same time, forests face serious and growing pressures such as climate change, increasing forest fires, pests and diseases, storms, and other extreme events, deforestation, and forest degradation.
These realities remind us that our work must be practical, science based, and forward looking.
Distinguish delegates.
As you know, UNFF 21 is a policy session.
Its main negotiated outcome is expected to be a concise, practical and action oriented omnibus resolution.
The draft will be shaped by our discussions during the first two days of the session.
I therefore invite all delegations and partners to contribute actively from the beginning with concrete ideas, practical experiences, and a spirit of consensus.
These elements are valuable opportunities for our collective work.
They remind us that the forum is also a platform for action, implementation, partnership, and mutual learning, thriving on concrete national and regional experiences.
Dear colleagues, Even under very difficult conditions, experience shows that when efforts are sustained, science based, and adapted to local realities, land can recover and forests and trees can respond positively.
The work of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries on the dry seabed of the RC, as well as the Great Green World Initiative in Africa are important examples of how restoration can build resilience, support communities, and create hope in challenging landscapes.
As the Turkish poet and Mr.
Awser beautifully expressed, my faithful beloved is the Black soil.
His words remind us that soil is not an int surface, but a living foundation.
We care for it with knowledge, passion, and respect, it can give life back.
This is also at the heart of restoration.
Dear colleagues, as I approach to the conclusion of my remarks, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Bureau.
I see my colleagues here from the Bureau and particular to the UNFF Secretariat for all the preparations undertaken for UNFF 2021.
I wish to underline this point, especially at a time when the United Nations Nations is engaged in reform and efficiency efforts, including the UN 80 initiative.
In this process, it is essential that the capacity, continuity, and institutional memory of the UNF Secretariat are protected and strengthened.
As member states, we have a shared responsibility to provide strong support to the Secretariat.
I believe this support is vital not only for the effective functioning of the forum, but also for advancing our common work for the world's forest and forestry.
Dear colleagues, during this week, let us work in a spirit of respect, openness, and shared responsibility.
Let us aim for a useful and realistic outcome.
Let us support implementation.
Let us strengthen cooperation among countries and partners, and let us continue to show that forests are an essential part of the sustainable development.
As chairs, together with my esteemed vice chairs and the Secretariat, I will do my best to facilitate an inclusive, transparent and constructive session.
I count on your support, your experience, and your cooperation.
I wish you all a productive and successful UN FF.
Thank you so much.
Dear colleagues, I now invite His Excellency, Luke Bahadur Tapa, president of the Economic and Social Council to make a statement.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Honorable Ministers, Madam President of the General Assembly, Madam Assistant Secretary-General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends.
It is a pleasure to join you at the opening of the 21st sessions of the United Nations Forum on Forest.
Let me begin with a simple image.
At first light in a quiet village, a child walks along a narrow path beneath a canopy of trees.
The air is cool, there is the sound of birds, the rustle of leaves, the scent of wood and earth.
That forest is not scenery.
It is life.
It provides fuel, it provides food, water, and livelihoods.
It saves daily life in ways that are rarely measured, but deeply felt.
In my own country, Nepal, I have seen how forest, when managed by local communities, can both sustain livelihoods and can restore ecosystems.
It is a reminder that when people are part of the solutions, forests can thrive and when forests thrive, communities prosper, water states are protected, biodiversity rebounds and the climate breath age.
In fact, they nurture our sad future.
Excellencies, forests still cover nearly one third of our planet.
They are home to most of the world's territorial biodiversity, and they remain among our most effective natural allies in addressing climate change.
E, forests are under growing pressure.
We continue to lose them, driven largely by land uses, particularly agriculture expansions alongside unsustainable practices and the growing impacts of climate change.
This is not only an environmental challenge, but it is a development challenge.
Distinguished delegators, forests are indispensable to the 2030 agenda, particularly as we review progress on SDG six, seven, nine, 11, and 17 at this year's High level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July.
Cannot achieve SDG six unclean water without protecting forested water sites which regulate water flows and sustain freshwater systems that supports millions of people and economic sectors.
This is especially evident in mountainous regions where climate induced risks such as glacious, lake outpost floods are increasing.
Healthy forest ecosystems can help stabilize slopes, regulate water flows, and reduce downstream impacts, protecting vulnerable communities.
For SDG seven, Forest remains an essential source of energy for billions of people, particularly in rural areas where wood based energy remains a critical seinate.
This reliance must be managed sustainably to avoid further degradations.
For SDG 11, forest, especially urban forest contribute to more resilient and livable cities, helping to reduce heat stress and manage the impact of extreme weather.
Excellencies, we are not starting from zero.
The UN strategic plan for Forest 2030 provides a clear and said direction.
We know what works, sustainable forest management, restoration sunset scale, and integrated approaches that address the drivers of deforestation and recognize the rules and knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities.
We are not lacking solution either.
What we lack is alignment, alignment of policies, alignment of incentives, and alignment of investment with what we already know must be done.
The challenge is implementations, and we are not moving fast enough.
This essence is therefore critical.
It's a functional commission of Eksoc This forum contributes to strengthening queries across the United Nations systems.
The insights and policy guidance emerging from your deliberations can help inform the broader follow up and review of the 2030 agenda, including through the High level Political Forum in July.
I encourage you to work toward a concise and forward looking, omnibus resolutions, one that strengthens the international arrangements and forest and supports the implementations on the ground.
We must ensure that countries facing the greatest vulnerabilities are supported to implement forest based solutions effectively.
Dear colleagues, forests are central to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
Sustainable forest management is not an environmental agenda alone.
It is a development imperative.
It is a climate necessity.
More importantly, it is a moral responsibility.
In many ways, forests are a test of our ability to deliver on the promises of multilateralism.
Let these sessions advance practical solutions and strengthen implementations for the benefit of our people and for the benefit of our planet.
Let's stand together in the simple but powerful truth that when forest thrive, humanity thrives, the future of our forest is the future of our world.
I thank you.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
I know Napal is very active on forestry, so it's a pleasure for me as a forester to sit together with you.
Now, I invite Her Excellency, Annalena Barbok president of the 18th session of the General Assembly, to make a statement.
Excellency, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Mr.
President of Acos.
Excellency, also from my side as President of the General Assembly, a warm good morning to all of you.
As my distinguished colleagues have already underlined, sometimes the most basic things are the hardest.
Already in primary school, all of our kids learn that without trees and forest, we would literally not be able to breathe.
We know that we rely on forest for food, for protection and resilience, for biodiversity, for our climate.
Even the numbers speaks for themselves.
$44 trillion, more than half of global GDP is dependent on nature.
At least 33 million jobs supporting the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people are related to the forestry sector.
All economists, all companies should know as well that it is in our vital self interest that we would do everything in our power to protect this resource.
Yet to date, we still do the opposite, destroy it.
In fact, it is estimated that we currently destroy over 4 million hectares each year.
In doing so, taking away the very air we breathe, the food we eat, and the resources that charge our economies.
Often, this is not simply due to neglect, but because we see this conversation as a zero sum game about choosing environmental protection on the one hand or economic growth on the other.
Even though you learned that probably in high school, these are two sides of the same coin and people who have lived for generation in and with the forest know and have demonstrated to us that you can have it both ways.
You can sustainably use what feeds you while preserving it.
At the sidelines of the Cop 30 in Belen, the climate conference, I was visiting a family chocolate production at the edge of the Amazon's rainforest, showing how you could use the product of the forest sustainably, how making a business, and even exporting it to other continents while preserving the forest.
That both can go hand in hand if it's politically backed.
This has to be politically backed because yes, indeed, we are living in a world of business and we are living in a world where you can choose how you design your trade agreements.
If trade agreements support that we still can breathe and harvest the food of the forest while making business, this works.
Consider, for example, the recently Mercosur Trade Agreement, which included compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement supporting by extension labels for sustainably sourced products, especially from the rainforest and therefore sustainable trade.
So the question is not what to do, but how do we embrace this level of sustainable forest management at the macro level? How do we protect the resource that is so vital to people and communities, to countries, and all our economies? First of all, and as we are trying here to work not in silos anymore, but interconnected, what we discussed already at the forum of Indigenous people.
First of all, we should listen to indigenous people.
It is estimated that over 5,000 indigenous groups manage or protect around 80% of the world's biodiversity.
Embracing their leadership and valuing their knowledge and culture would be the most important first step.
And where possible, support their proven efforts with modern technologies.
For example, again, there are these case studies such as drones and artificial intelligence to track illegal logging to protect the rainforest.
Second, translate the agreements made right here into real tangible results.
Because declaring international years and international decades for forest protections are noble gestures, but they will remain just that unless there's meaningful follow up action back home in again legislation.
You need local actions such as sustainable labeling for timber products that align with government policies and international agreements, which brings me to my third point, mobilizing resources and strengthening partnerships as none of this is happening again on its own.
We need to strengthen existing mechanisms that bring together various sector for a whole of society approach that includes partnerships such as the UNFCCC's RED plus program, which offers financial credits in return for efforts to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.
Excellencies, none of this is happening without you and your governments as this is where these agreements succeed or fail, and this is why your engagement, also the personal engagement is so important.
As we have seen, especially in these fragmented time, which power can be generated when all of those who believe that we are better together join forces when all levels of government align on these priorities.
Consider Brazil, where in the last 12 months, deforestation has reached the lowest level since 2014.
Or consider Niger, where the farmer managed natural regeneration initiative supported by partners like UNDP, has helped restore over 4 million hectas of land protecting against soil erosion and boosting irrigation.
There are dozens of more examples like this and according to the latest FAO data, more than half of the world's forests are now covered by long term management plans and one fifth are within legal established protected areas, so we can indeed be better together.
These are successes we must build upon.
Today's discussions alongside the launch of the new Global Forest goals Report is an opportunity to take stock and to sharpen our path forward to strengthen implementation and to deliver what we know is possible, a true win win for environmental preservation and economic growth.
Let us address this issue with the seriousness it deserves.
For we depend on the forest and not only our livelihoods, but also our very lives, as we have all learned already in primary school.
I thank you.
Thank you, Your Excellency, Ana Barbg for your speech.
As you mentioned, besides other benefits for us are also very good for foods we use.
This is really important.
Thank you so much for the stress.
Now, I now invite misses Borg Sanjar, Assistant Secretary-General for P coordination in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations to make a statement.
Madam Assistant Secretary-General, you have the floor, please.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair of the Forum and President of Ecosok and President of the General Assembly.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
On behalf of Mr.
Lee, who is the Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, it is my pleasure to address this 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.
At a time of growing strain on multilateral cooperation, your presence here today reflects the importance that the international community continues to attach to forests and to sustainable forest management.
We meet at a time of profound global uncertainty and crises.
Among them, the international community continues to confront interlinked and mutually reinforcing challenges, including the worsening effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, poverty, and growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
Progress towards the sustainable development goals remains uneven and insufficient.
Ladies and gentlemen, in this context, forests are not only ecosystems of immense intrinsic value, they are indispensable natural assets for sustainable development.
Forests contribute directly to climate mitigation and adaptation to biodiversity conservation, water regulation, land restoration, food security, livelihoods, energy access, and resilient economies.
As we heard from the distinguished speakers before me today, simply put, forests are central to the future that we seek.
Recent developments have reaffirmed the central role of forests and sustainable forest management across the multilateral system.
In particular, the proclamation by the General Assembly of the UN decade for afforestation and reforestation in line with sustainable forest management, starting next year for the period 2027 to 2036 marks that significant opportunity to mobilize political will, to strengthen international cooperation, and to scale up action to halt and reverse forest loss worldwide.
Recent outcomes under the Rio Conventions and other international processes have also reinforced the relevance of forests to global efforts on climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation.
These developments underscore the importance of the United Nations Strategic Plan for forests as a coherent global framework for forest related action.
This forum as the universal intergovernmental body dedicated to all types of forests.
To Distinguished delegates, the agenda before you is substantive and forward looking.
Among them, you will consider the growing interlinkages between the global forest goals and developments under the UN Framework Convention on climate change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Convention to combat Desertification.
In this regard, the outcomes of CP 30 and its follow up, including the continued attention to halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030 have demonstrated and recognized the role of forests as a cross cutting solution to major global challenges.
Dear colleagues, at a time when multilateralism is being tested and the UN is facing an unprecedented difficult liquidity situation, measures under UN, the UNA Initiative are implemented to make the UN more agile, more integrated, and equipped to respond to today's complex global challenging.
Amid tightening resources, the United Nations Forum on Forests remains a vital platform for dialogue, for coordination, and collective ambition on forests.
Its role is unique and its work is essential.
The urgency of the challenges before us requires that we move resolutely from recognition and commitments to implementation.
This calls for stronger political commitment, effective partnerships, and sustained support for the institutions and processes that help translate global goals into tangible action on the ground.
To this end, it's critically important that all participants engage in the deliberations of this session in a spirit of cooperation, pragmatism, and shared responsibility.
On our part, TSA will spare no effort in supporting the work of the forum and contributing to the success of this session.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, I wish you fruitful deliberations and a successful session.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Asinon Secretary-General.
As you rightly mentioned, UNFF is the vital platform.
I know you have deep root to forestry because if I remember, your father was a Forster, so we count on your support to leave.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Dear colleagues, we will now briefly pause the meeting for a change of podium.
Please remain seated.
I think you are leaving.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Yes, I think we are ready.
Yes.
Distinguished participants, I invite misses Bjork Sanjar Assistant Secretary-General for Policy coordination in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations to make a statement.
Madam Assistant Secretary-General, you have the floor, please, once more.
Thank you so much.
Well, thank you very much, Chair.
Again, good morning, distinguished delegates, colleagues on the podium, as well as in the room and partners.
It is again a true pleasure to join you today for the launch of the Global Forest goals Report 2026.
The report comes at a critical moment.
As we approach 2030, the international community faces mounting and interconnected challenges including geopolitical uncertainties, accelerating environmental pressures linked to climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
Now, in our efforts to help address these challenges, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, where I sit, together with the UNFFS Secretariat, we are in 2026 further intensifying our support to member states to consolidate gains to sustain momentum and to accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development goals in that crucial final stretch towards the deadline in 2030.
In doing so, DESA is strengthening data.
We are strengthening analytical capacities, leveraging digital innovation, and promoting greater effectiveness and efficiency across intergovernmental processes.
In this context, forests do remain a vital focus for our collective efforts to protect the planet and advance sustainable development for all.
I would also like to recognize that the preparation of the report was undertaken by the United Nations Forum on Forest Secretariat at TSA, represented by the director here to my right.
At a particularly challenging time.
The difficult financial situation that you are aware of has required further reductions across the Secretariat in already limited resources.
Despite this, the UNFFS Secretariat has successfully delivered a comprehensive report reflecting its strong commitment to the work of the forum and its mandates.
Distinguished delegates, the Global Forest Goals Report 2026 provides a comprehensive and evidence based overview of progress made in implementing the United Nations Strategic Plan for forests and advancing the six global forest goals.
It draws primarily on voluntary national reports submitted by you, by member states, complemented by the latest global data and assessments.
It reflects the actions taken by countries, results achieved, and the challenges encountered.
As such, it offers a valuable foundation for strengthening policy decisions and enhancing international cooperation in the final years leading to 2030.
The findings of the report, you can see here, reflect both progress made and challenges remaining.
We see encouraging progress in several areas and regions.
Countries are strengthening sustainable forest management, expanding protected areas, and reinforcing institutions and forest related legal frameworks.
There is growing recognition of the role of forests in sustainable development in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation as reflected in national strategies and international commitments.
But at the same time, the report underscores that progress remains uneven and insufficient overall.
Because looking at the data, we see that deforestation has not been halted.
Forest degradation continues in several regions and the loss of primary forests so vital for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and ecosystem integrity remains of particular concern.
So let me show you the report again.
It is very clear progress has been made.
We are not yet on track to achieve all global forest goals and their targets by 2030.
This is not meant as a message of discouragement.
It is meant as a call to action.
Because it highlights the need to accelerate efforts to scale up ambition and to strengthen implementation across sectors and at all levels.
One of the key messages emerging from the report is of the importance of policy coherence.
Because forests do not exist in isolation.
The pressures and problems they face are often driven by other sectors, particularly from agriculture, from infrastructure, and energy.
Adré these challenges requires integrated approaches that align forest related policies with a broader land use planning and development strategies.
Equally important is the need to close the financing Sustainable forest management remains significantly underfunded relative to its potential contributions to climate mitigation, to biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Mobilizing new and innovative sources of finance and ensuring that resources reach those who depend on forests will be essential.
The report also highlights the importance of strengthening forest governance.
Transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutions are critical for combating illegal activities, for securing land tenure, and for ensuring that the benefits of forests are shared equitably, particularly with indigenous peoples and local communities.
Another important message that I would like to highlight from the report relates to data and monitoring.
Because reliable, accessible, and comparable data are essential for tracking progress and for informing decisions.
While significant advances have been made, important gaps remain, and continued efforts are needed to strengthen national capacities and to further develop and to operationalize global indicator frameworks.
Now, the Global Forest Goals Report 2026 is not only an assessment of where we stand.
It is also a guide to where we must go because the coming years will be decisive.
Achieving the global forest goals will require renewed political commitment, stronger partnerships, and sustained actions.
It will also require us to recognize forests as a cornerstone of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and beyond.
In this regard, this forum, the United Nations Forum on Forests, and its partners, has a vital role to play in fostering dialogue, supporting member states, and promoting coordinated actions across the UN system.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, let me also take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to this report.
Many of you here, member states, the collaborative partnership on forests, in particular, the Food and Agriculture Organization for its global forest resources assessment, and the valuable data it provided to this report, as well as the many experts and partners who provided insights and support.
Your contributions are essential to advancing our shared vision of sustainable forest management and a better future for all.
As we launch this report today, let us reaffirm our collective commitments to forests and to the people who depend on them.
Let us use the findings of the report to inform our actions, to strengthen our resolve and to accelerate progress.
I would like also to invite all the members of the forum and our partners to actively disseminate and share the findings and key messages of the report.
Among policymakers and relevant stakeholders.
Because again, the window to achieve the global forest goals by 2030 is narrowing, but it remains within reach if we act with urgency and determination.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Madam Asenson Secretary-General.
Can I see your report once more? She was very naive dear colleagues.
This report can be achieved in our web page.
If you visit UNFFA page, you can easily access this report.
This is very important.
Thank you so much.
Now, I invite Mr.
Zimon Wu, Assistant Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Director of the FAO forestry Division.
He's also the chair of CPF Coabative Partnership on Forest to make a statement.
Mr.
Wu, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
Dear colleagues and friends.
It's an honor to join you at this launch of the Global Forest goes Report 2026.
As a milestone for assessing progress in implementation of the UN strategy plan for Forests 2017, 2030 and its six global forest goals.
I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate UNFF, UNFS Secretariat, and its partners for the substantial effort behind this report, which brings together data, experience, and policy insights from across regions and institutions.
In a world facing converging crises, forests are at the center of the challenges and also are central to the solutions.
As we enter the final stretch to 2030 and began to prepare the grounds for what follows, the report help us understand where we stand against these ambitions and how we use this evidence to accelerate action.
Credible and comparable data for transparent monitoring is an enabling foundation for delivery.
With data for risk being overlooked in planning investment and credibility framework, with data, countries are better equipped to set priorities, target resources, and track outcomes of their actions.
Data from FL Global Forest Resource Assessment 2025, drawn from its network of 700 international experts, including 200 national correspondents, has played a key role providing consistent biophysical information to help assess the national trends in global context as presented in the Global Forest goals Report 2026.
FO has supported countries in data collection and analysis for the last decades and continues in investing in strengthening national forest monitoring systems, including through the use of advanced technology.
To provide data more frequently and better track progress towards global targets, FEOs Committee on forestry CF requested FPO to put in place a more flexible approach in fraud reporting.
This allows countries on a voluntary basis to update key forest indicators, including those linked to SDG 15 as improved data becomes available.
FFI supports country to strengthen national forest inventory and monitoring systems, update their fraud data when new and better information is generated, and ensure that the international processes are informed by the best available data at any given time.
So while many countries have improved collection and accessibility of forest related information, capacity constraints persist.
In recent years, FL has strengthened its support for members to establish and maintain national forest monitoring systems and develop forest product statistics.
Through the collaborative partnership on forests, FO also works with members and partners to streamline and reduce reporting burdens for countries, particularly through the core set of forest related indicators.
In conclusion, this report is a call to action to use shared knowledge to inform decisions, guide investment, and deliver tangible results for forests and for people, especially those who depend them for livelihoods.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Ziemanhu, the Assistant Director General of the United Nations for the Agriculture Organization.
Dear colleagues, allow me to say that as UNF, we are working very closely with FAO and Mr.
Zimmanhu has a very special role on that cooperation.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Now, I invite misses Juliette Biao, Director of the Secretariat of the UN Forum on Forests to make statements.
Mr.
Biao, you have the floor, please.
It's a pleasure for me to invite you, my dear friend.
Thank you very much Chair.
After listening to the previous speakers, honestly, there is not much that I can say, but please don't be breed with what I will say, but I just need to say something.
Excellency Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor to present this report, the report, the Global Forest Goal Report 2026, a report that comes at a defining moment.
This report is drawn from 48 voluntary National report supplemented with the AU Forest Resource Assessment, which is the latest the FRA 2025, and which is also the comprehensive data.
To avoid repeating what the previous speaker says, let me go straight to what the cis global goals are telling us.
Global forest goal one on halting deforestation and reversing forest loss is saying that countries are investing significantly in restoration, afforestation, and sustainable forest management.
Yet global forest area has declined by around 40 million hectares in the last decade Global forest carbon stock increase globally, but are failing in some regions, according to FRA 2025.
Climate pressures due to wildfires, droughts, p are increasing.
Yes, we are really acting, but certainly the efforts are not keeping pace with pressures.
Global Forest goal two on enhancing forest benefit and livelihood.
The report revealed that forest continues.
Forests continue to sustain food system, energy access, and real economies.
But extreme poverty among forest dependent populations remain off track.
This is not only environmental issue, this is development and equity challenge.
Global Forest goal three, protecting and sustainably managed forests.
We see strong progress through expanding protected areas, growing certification, and increased management planning.
This demonstrates that when policies align, results follow.
But progress remains uneven across regions.
Global Forest goal four, finance, science, and partnerships.
Financing has reached $84 billion globally, yet the need are closer to 300 billion annually.
This gap is not technical, it is political and structural.
Without scaling up finance, especially private and innovative finance, implementation will stall.
Global Forest goal five, governance and policy integration.
Countries are strengthening laws, institutions, and monitoring system, yet fragmentation, weak enforcement, and illegal logging continue to undermine progress.
The lesson is clear here.
Governance must move from frameworks to effective implementation.
Global Forest goal six, cooperation and coherence.
There is unprecedented collaboration across the UN system, regional platforms and stakeholders.
But fragmentation persists across sectors, especially with agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.
We must move from coordination to true policy coherence at scale.
This is a clear message.
On the targets, most targets are moving in the right direction, yet progress is uneven across regions and goals.
National action is widespread and diverse and acceleration is required to meet the 2030 deadline, especially on halting deforestation and eradicating poverty of forest dependent peoples.
Taken together, these goals send a powerful signal.
We know what works.
We are acting, but we are not yet acting at the scale required.
What must change now? As we enter the final stretch to 2030, five priorities are decisive.
Altering and reversing the deforestation urgently.
Deliver tangible benefit for forest dependent communities, closing the financing gap through innovation and partnership.
Strengthen governance, enforcement, and accountability, ensuring core cross sectoral coerence beyond the forest sector.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this report is not just an assessment.
It is a call to leadership.
Foundation in place policies, partnerships, and growing political will.
What is now required is speed, scale, and sustained commitment.
Because forests are not only about trees, they are about people, prosperity, and the future of our planet.
The decision we take today will determine whether we meet our collective commitment or fall short.
Let us choose ambition.
Let us choose action.
I thank you for your attention.
We will send the link Chair, we will send the link later to the focal point and the missions.
Thank you.
Thank you, miss Juliette Pio for your speech.
As you say, forests are not only about nature.
They are also about for people.
Is the main theme for our gathering together also here.
Thank you so much.
Colleagues, we will now briefly pause the meeting again for a change of podium.
Please remain seated.
We need some seconds for the preparation.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Thank you excellent.
Please stay with us, please.
Do we have it now? I think we will have a short video to show you.
Is it pretty? Yes.
Forests are important as they are natural filters for people and planet.
Whether we live in a big city like this or small villages, we all depend on them.
Forests are specifically important in rural areas where jobs are scarce to women, they strengthen their role and their contribution to communities and sustainable development.
But the truth is that we all depend on them as they act as the massive sponges that capture carbons, stabilize soil, and regulate water cycle.
They cool down the cities in the summer and they are important to our health and well being.
The UN Foreign Forests is a process that brings together policymakers, practitioners, conservation activists, representative of timber industry, and everyone who is willing to work towards sustainable forest management.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 is a snapshot of where progress has been made.
And where accelerated actions are needed in order to halt and reverse deforestation.
The report shows that we don't like solutions.
Countries are doing the right things, however, not at the right scale and speed that's currently needed.
The truth is that we often lose forests because some of the decision has taken outside the forest sector.
So protecting forests is not only an environmental issue, but also economic and political one.
The encouraging part here is that we know what works.
Scaling it up will require decision making, political commitment, and willingness.
But if we continue to take care of forests, they will continue taking care of us.
Join us.
Welcome.
Dear colleagues, I now invite the forum to turn to item one of the provisional agenda, which is election of the officers.
Members will recall that at the first meeting of its 20th session on May 24th, the forum elected its chairs and the vice chairs for the 20th and 21st sessions and the bureau is therefore fully constituted.
It means today we will not have election.
We already decided.
I now invite the forum to consider item two, adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters for which the forum has before it documents containing the initiated provisional agenda for its 21st session.
Are there any comments on the provisional agenda? I see.
Yes.
United States requested the floor.
Can I see Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I wanted to take the floor on agenda item one if that was okay for a brief statement.
Yes, please.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The United States disassociates from Iran's reappointment as vice chair of the UN 41 forest for this session as we do not believe they are fit to serve in this capacity.
Thank you.
I see Australia.
Thank you, Chair.
I also speak on behalf of Canada for this statement.
We also dissociate from Iran's appointment to the role of vice chair of the UNF Bureau.
Iran holding such a position damages the credibility of this forum.
The Iranian regime's aborrent human rights violations, its ongoing threats to the countries of its region, and its destabilizing conduct, undermine multilateralism and the international rules based order.
Thank you.
Okay.
We heard from Australia.
Also, we see Israel for agenda item one again, I think.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Israel also an agenda item number one, would like to join others and disassociates from this decision.
We don't see Iran as relevant vice chair for this forum.
Iran is armed and supported terror all around the region.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Many thanks for your chairing the meeting.
Then Mr.
Chair, as you know, the decision has taken two years ago by consensus, and then we all know that Iran has a very well established practices following the rules and the respective process of the e this process.
Then we also it's not the first time that some delegates politicized technical process, and then we know that the election are based on the credibility, based on the transparency of this organization.
Then politicizing this technical process undermined the credibility of this organization.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Distinguished delegates of Iran.
Is there any other? Okay.
We heard some proposal from US, Austria, and Israel, and also from Iran.
We will go on the procedures.
I will invite the forum for the item two, adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
Argentina Okay.
Yeah.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Sorry for the interruption.
Coming back to the first item, I will tell it in Spanish.
An Argentina dissociates itself from the proposal for Iran's vice chairmanship of this forum.
Thank you.
Argentina dissociates from the proposal of Iran's vice chairmanship of this forum.
Thank you, Argentina.
Let me discuss with the Secretariat.
Okay.
We heard also from Argentina according to our establishment procedures, we are going on agenda item two for the adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters as I have read.
Is that okay? Now, I'm asking again once more for the comments of the provisional agenda about item item two.
Okay.
I see no objection.
I hear no objection for agenda item two, it is so decided.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Dear colleagues.
Now, I invite the forum to turn its attention to the provisional Organization of work.
The provisional Organization of work was introduced in detail during my organization briefing held on nine April and has been circulated to delegations, through E delegate and UNFF national focal points in advance of the session.
I also wish to draw the forum's attention to the information, not for UNFF 21 participants that was circulated through Edelegate in March 2026 and which is also available on the UNFF 21st web page.
Turning now to the modalities of the session.
As delegations are a, Uni 21 will meet 11-15 in person here at New York.
The plenary meetings will be held in conference room in this room from 10:00 A.M.
To 1:00 P.M.
And from 3:00 P.M.
To 6:00 P.M.
The formal meetings of the Uni 50 21 will be broadcast live and archived UN webTV.
Real time cop sharing services will also be provided for formal meetings.
Considering the rating measures in place, the regular meetings hours of 10:00 A.M.
To 1:00 P.M.
And 3:00 P.M.
To 6:00 P.M.
For meetings with conference services will be trally applied.
The time limit for statements and interventions during UNFF 21 meetings will be 4 minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of the group of states and 3 minutes for individual delegations.
As a result of current austerity measures in place, the number of meetings during UNFF 221 must be reduced by 10%.
In this context, UNFF 221 will be concluded its work by the end of its meeting on Friday morning, May 15, 2026.
Due to reduction of the duration of UNF 21 and time constraint, there will be no general opening remarks on Monday morning.
There will be no pre determined list of speakers for the general discussions on such sensitive agenda items scheduled for Monday 15 May in the morning, as well as for the remaining general discussions during UNF 21.
I wish to add that Para side events will be held in an in person format, unique UNFF one to one.
Sign events will be held from 1:15 P.M.
To 213 each day in conference room, which we are in now.
Conference room four, conference room eight and D.
The list of UNF 51 to one side events is available on the UNFF 21 web page.
In accordance with EcoS resolution, UNFF 21 is a policy.
The thematic priorities of the session are Global Forest goal one, three, and five.
The main outcome of this session will be an omnibus resolution.
This resolution will reflect the outcomes of discussions, consideration of the items in its agenda, considering proposals contained in UNFFT 20 case summary, the proposals contained in the UNFF 21st Secretariat notes, and any other issues that the forum considers appropriate for inclusion in the resolution.
As per the previous sessions of the forum, a concise summary of the UNF 50 21st discussions under agenda item three D All the input 2027 sessions of the high level political forum will be prepared by the bureau.
This summary will be shared with UNF 50 21 participants on the evening of 15 May 2026.
Delegations will have one week after the conclusion of UNFFT 21 to provide their commitment comments.
The bureau will then finalize the draft input based on the views received.
Dear colleagues, this morning and after the adoption of the UNFF 21 provisional organization of work, the UNFF Secretariat will introduce the UFS two 21st Secretariat notes on the implementation of the UN strategic plan for forests.
This afternoon, the forum will hold joint general discussion on Item three B and its sub items On the outcomes of the country led initiatives, new announcement of voluntary national contributions by UNFF Secretariat members, and an update on the previously announced voluntary national contributions.
For UNFF 21 in May 2006, there has been no suggestion for emerging issues for consultation under item six.
In this respect, the time allocated for discussion on item six will be devoted to the discussion on the agenda item three BI to allow sufficient time for forums discussion on the outcomes of three country led initiatives.
On Tuesday morning tomorrow, 12th of May, the forum will consider and hold general discussion on agenda item three D on the interlinkages between global forest course, the Sustainable Development course and review of 2026 and 2027 sessions of the high level political forum, as well as other global forest related developments since 2000 UNFF 20.
In this respect, there will be several updates under this sub item.
After these preparations, the floor will be open for general discussion on Item three D.
After that, the forum will consider agenda item three F on means of implementation, including the operation and resource for the Global Forest Financing Fation Network.
Under this item, The relevant Secretariat notes will be introduced and an update by the UNF Secretariat will be provided on the latest developments regarding the proposed G FN office in China.
The forum will hold general discussion on item three F.
On Tuesday afternoon, 12 May, following the introduction of the relevant Secretariat notes, the forum will consider and hold a general discussion on agenda Item three G on monitoring, assessment, and reporting.
After that, forum will consider and hold general discussion on item four on initial discussions on the final review of the international arrangement on forests.
The forum will then consider agenda item five on the forums trust funds.
Under this item, the Secretariat will introduce the Secretariat not on the forums trust fund.
The Secretariat will also make remarks on the impacts of the UN 80 initiative on UNF Secretariat, as well as the information papers on workloads, needs, and gaps of the UNFFs.
Following these remarks, the forum will hold general discussion on item five.
During the general discussions on this item, the forum will also resume its consultation of the information papers on workloads, needs, and gaps of the UNF Secretariat, as the provision of EcoScu Resolution 2024 slash 15 and consider the impacts of the UN 80 initiative on the UNFF Secretariat.
Considering the forum discussions on 11 and May, the below, we shared the initial UNFF 21st draft resolution with UNFF participants in the evening of t May 2026.
It means tomorrow evening.
The Vice chair of the Bureau will conduct the first reading of the draft resolution during the informal consultation on 13 May 2026.
Based on the views expressed, the Bureau will revise the draft resolution and share it with U NFA participants in the evening of 13 May 2026, Wednesday evening.
Similarly, on the 14th of May, The second reading of the revised draft resolution will be conducted during the informal consultation.
During the informal consultation, if need be, the vice chair may encourage interested delegations to engage in informal exchange on any constitutional issue to assist in resolving the differences on 14 of May at 5:00 P.M.
The vice chairs will report to the plenary on the outcome of the informal consultation.
Consider the views expressed during the second reading of the draft resolution and the afternoon preliminary session on 14 May, the Bureau will further revise the text and share the final draft resolution with UNFF participants in the evening of 14 May Thursday.
The forum will consider the final draft resolution for adoption on the morning of 15 May 2026.
I would like to emphasize that UNFF 21 plenary sessions and the informal consultation on 13 and 14 May are open to all UNFF members and UNFF partners.
In the event of a need to convene an informal consultation, such meetings will be open to UNFF members only.
On Friday morning, 15 May, the forum will formally consider and decide on the draft omnibus resolution.
Also at that meeting, the forum will be invited to take decisions on the date and venue, as well as the provisional agenda for its 22nd session.
The forum is also expected to adopt a draft procedural report on the current session.
After the official closure of UNFF 21, the first meeting of the 22nd session of the forum will be convened immediately for the sole purpose of electing the members of the Bureau of UNFF 22 and UNF 23.
Last but not least, in order to ensure that all participants receive correspondence relating to our work, please make sure to send your contact information to misses Edi Namke at the UN Forum on foreign Secretariat through scanning the er codes on the slide which is not shown on the screen, and also You see me on the screen button.
We will see A before the end of this morning meeting.
For New York delegates, please ensure that the e delegate system administrators in your missions provides you with access to the UNFF pages on the module.
Thank you for your patience.
I know it's a long reading, but it's a part of our formal jobs.
Thank you for your time.
Are there any question, any comments for these modalities? I know there was some many questions about the modalities of omnibus resolution, but thanks to Secretariat, we reply all the questions on times.
I hope now everything is clear.
Is there any comments? No.
Thank you, C.
Colleagues, I take it that the forum approves it organization of work with the understanding that further adjustments may be made as needed during the session.
I hear no objection, so it is so decided.
Dear colleagues, I know I invite the forum to begin is consultation of agenda item three, policy discussions on the implementation of the United Nations strategic plan for Forest 2017, 2000 and its sub items A, B, D, and C jointly with item four, initial discussions on the final review of the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forest in achieving its objectives and item six, emerging issues.
The documentation submitted under these agenda items is listed in the ECO portals, the Yan Journal and on the UNFF website.
Now, I invite Mr.
Rio Nakamura of the Yan Forum on Forest Secretariat to introduce the Secretariat notes under items three and its sub items A, B, D, E, and items four and six.
Mr.
Nakamura, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
It is my pleasure to introduce note by the Secretariat slash n dot 18 slash 2026 slash two on the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forest 2017 to 2030.
This document provides the information to support the forum's policy discussion at this session.
First, it provides the updates on activities undertaken by forum members since the 20th session.
Second, the note outlines the interlinkages between the global forest goals and targets and the sustainable development goals to be reviewed by the high level Political Forum on sustainable development in 2026 and 2027.
The note also summarizes major global forest related developments since UNFF 20.
In addition, the note reports on progress made in implementing the communication and outreach strategy of the UNSPF, including activities related to the International Day of Forest.
Finally, the note provides background information for the forum's initial discussions on the final review of the effectiveness of the International arrangement of Forest and presents several proposals for consideration during the present session.
This afternoon, members of the forum will present the outcome of the three country led initiatives under item three B.
These are Morocco's Initiative on community based Forest Management, technology and innovation, and Sustainable Finance for Forest, Turka's Initiative on forest fires, preparedness and innovative technologies, and Austria's initiative on advancing sustainable forest based bioeconomy approaches.
Regarding the voluntary national contributions, Spain announced a new contribution in support of the global Forest goals.
This brings the total number of submitted voluntary national contributions to 28.
On Tuesday morning under item three D, the forum will consider interlinkages between the global Forest goals and SDGs under review by the Haideb Political Forum in 2026 and 2027.
For the 26 HLPF session, the chair of the forum has submitted the input from UNFF 20 to the president of the Economic and Social Council in December 2025.
For the 2027 HLPF session, as just announced by the chair, the chair of the forum will prepare a summary of discussion at this session for submission to the president of the council.
The draft of this summary will be prepared based on discussions and item three D for consideration by members of the forum tomorrow.
The SDGs under review in 2027 will include goal four on quality education, goal ten on reduced inequalities, goal 12 on responsible consumption and production, goal 15 on life on land, and goal 17 on partnerships.
With regard to emerging issues, the Bureau has allocated time this afternoon for discussion on the outcomes of the country led initiatives.
Therefore, there will be no separate emerging issue for the present session.
The note also provides updates on several major global forest related developments since UNFF 20.
These include the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 79 slash 283, UN Deca for our forestation and reforestation in line with sustainable forest management 2027-2036.
The note also refers to the outcomes of 27th meeting of subsidiary body on scientific, technical, and technological advice of the Convention on Biological Diversity, particularly in relation to the Comi Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
In addition, the note highlights developments from 2025 UN Climate Change Conference, including matters related to the Paris Agreement on Forest Pavilion, as well as the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly.
Further information on these developments will be presented on Tuesday morning by the respective speakers and representatives under Item three D.
This afternoon under Agenda Item three E, the Secretariat will present information on communication and outreach activities undertaken since UNFF 20, including the International Day of Forest in 2026.
Finally, the note sets out several proposals for discussion by the forum during this session.
The first proposal is to accelerate efforts towards achieving a global forest goals, including by encouraging the integration of sustainable forest management into national sustainable development strategies, and also under available multilateral environmental agreements.
The second proposal is to implement the outcome of the country led initiatives and to encourage the organization of one country led initiative during the intersectional period.
The third proposal is to encourage the organization of a forest Pavilion at future sessions of the UN Climate Change Conference in order to raise awareness of the role and significance of forest in addressing climate change.
The fourth proposal is to further raise awareness of the significance of forest, including through wider engagement in the celebration of the International Day of Forest, while also addressing related gaps and uses of the forum Secretariat.
The final proposal is to hold regular brainstorming sessions between the present session and 23rd session of the forum.
These brainstorming sessions would help develop a roadmap of activities, events, background information, and other relevant work in preparation for the final review of the International arrangement on Forest for conservation and decision by the form at UF 23 in 2028.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Rio for your presentation.
Dear colleagues, I invite the Director of the UNF Secretariat, misses Juliet Bao to provide remarks on UNF Secretariat activities and achievements.
Mr.
Biya, you have the floor, please.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Excellency, distinguished delegates.
Esteemed colleagues of the collaborative partnership on Forest, distinguished representative of regional and sub regional partners, Distinguished representative of major group and other stakeholders, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to address you today and to present an overview of the activities and achievement of the UN AF Secretariat since our last session, as well as the priority that lie ahead.
We meet at the moment of profound uncertainty, a world of rising tensions, shrinking trust, and increasing pressure on our ecosystem and on our people.
Yet this is precisely the moment when multilateralism was not weakened or rise because forests do not recognize borders, and neither should our responsibility.
Excellence.
As you all know, UNFF 21 is our first policy session since the midterm review, which reaffirmed the continued importance of the international arrangement on Forest IAF.
Since UNFF 20, the Secretariat has focused its efforts on supporting countries in advancing the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forest 2017 2030.
Allow me to highlight a few key areas of progress.
First, in 2025, the General Assembly adopted one major resolution on the United Nations Decade on afforestation and reforestation 2027 2030, which builds on and complements the resolution adopted in 2024.
May I take this opportunity to really extend our appreciation to the Republic of Congo through the minister here, and the government of Uzbekistan for championing those resolutions.
This is a clear signal.
The global community is ready to scale up action.
Second, country led initiatives from Morocco, Turkey, and Austria have moved us from dialogue to solution.
Financing forests, managing forest fire, advancing the bioeconomy.
These are not abstract discussions.
These are practical pathway forward and they will inform your deliberations this week.
We are also seeing strong accountability and engagement.
Third, the Global Forest goals 2026, based on 48 national reports show something important, not perfection, but ownership, not uniformity, but momentum.
I would like to take this opportunity to really extend our gratitude to our sister agency, FEO for supplementing the national report with the latest and most comprehensive data of the forest resource assessment 2025.
Fourth, we have strengthened collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Two, flagship webinars on payment for ecosystem services and on sustainable wood from sustainable forest management, each attracted over 20 participants.
This is not just participation.
It is a global demand for practical solutions.
Importantly, this effort was strengthened through effective collaboration with members of the collaborative partnership on forests, leveraging on their expertise and network to deepen substance and to expand reach.
May I take this opportunity to really thank all the members of the CPF and my special thanks goes to the CPF chair.
AGG, thank you for your leadership.
Fifth, we have also reinforced policy coherence across the system linking forests to climate, biodiversity, and land, and ensuring that forests are not treated as secondary but at central to sustainable development.
Sixth, communication, one critical area.
Because when forests remain invisible, they are undervalued.
The Secretariat has significantly strengthened its outreach, including a redesigned website and enhanced digital engagement.
These are not cosmetic changes.
They are about bringing global forest goals to decision makers and to people.
It is about ensuring forests are recognized for what they are foundational to our collective future.
But we must be candid about the challenge we face.
The Secretariat continues to operate on the significant resource reductions compounded by the broader liquidity crisis of the United Nations and the ongoing UN initiative.
The growing expectations placed upon the forum, especially following the midterm review requires sustained and predictable support.
Without this, our ability to deliver effectively will remain at risk.
Distinguished delegates.
The agenda for these sessions.
This session includes important issues such as implementation of the UN SPF, means of implementation, synergy and interlinkages between the GFGs and the global forest related development in other fora, resourcing of the UNFF Secretariat, and the impact of the UN AD initiative on the Secretariat.
As well as an initial exchange of views among UNFF members and partners on how best to be prepared for the final review of the International arrangement on forests in 2030.
As the main outcome of the session, UNFF 20 omnibus resolution should ensure the continued efficient functioning of the forum as Secretariat and the smooth navigation through the current challenging time.
The decision you take this week matter.
The omnibus resolution must do more than reflect discussions.
It must enable the forum and ensure we navigate these challenging times effectively.
Excellencies, as I conclude, let us remember why we are here.
Our shared responsibility to sustainably manage forests and to protect the planet in a divided world.
This forum remains a rare space where all countries come together as equals to act.
Let us move this room with statement.
Let us not move from this room.
Let us not leave this room with statement.
Am I clear? Yes, please.
Let us not leave this room with statement.
Go ahead.
Let us live with commitment.
Let us live with clarity.
Let us live with action.
The Secretariat stand ready to support you in this endeavor.
I thank you for your attention.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Director, dear colleagues.
Allow me to congratulate and to thank to the Secretariat, led by Madame Director, on behalf of Bureau and on behalf of the member States, I really congratulate them.
As I mentioned in my opening speech, as the forum the This is my idea, of course, my idea, we should support them.
Thank you so much, Madam Director.
Thanks so much.
As she clearly defined, the country led initiatives made in Morocco, Turkey, and Austria was really effective for the UNFF works.
My congratulations to them also.
Excellency, distinguished delegates.
I now invite the forum to hold its general discussion on agenda item three.
Now this is your turn, actually.
Thank you again for your patience.
Now we are going to listen our member states.
Allow me to reiterate that there is no determined list of speakers for the general discussion.
Delegations may request the follow by pressing the button on the microphone console.
Delegations are kindly requested to see adhere to the time limits of 4 minutes for statements on behalf of a group of states and 3 minutes for statements by the individual delegations.
Delegations speaking on behalf of the group are asked to inform the Secretariat in the room in order to be given priority in the list.
To assist the speakers in managing their time, the lights on the microphone will start linking 30 seconds before the time limits is this to indicate that the speaker should start concluding statements.
If the speaker continues beyond the time limit, the microphone will be automatically muted.
Sorry for that.
Nonetheless, I would like to request the speakers to deliver statements at normalcy peak and speed for purposes of interpretation.
Longer versions of the statements may be sent for circulation to statements U org.
Now, it is your turn and I would like to invite member countries to raise their hands and the delegations headed by minister or vice minister will have the priority.
I see Indonesia as the first speaker.
Indonesia, you have the floor, please.
Yes.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency's distinguished delegate.
Indonesia expresses its appreciation to the UNF Bureau and the Secretariat for their leadership in advancing the global forest agenda and the implementation of UN strategic plan for forests 2017 to 2030.
We further welcome continued follow up to the midterm review outcomes to expand international cooperation, means of implementation, and the policy coherence.
Under the leadership of President Pravos Subianto, Indonesia remains committed to sustainable forest management as integral pillar of climate action, biodiversity conservation, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
Under global Forest goal one, Indonesia has reduced forest and land fires by 86% over the past decade to improve prevention and early warning systems, law enforcement, community based approaches, and stronger monitoring.
We also committed to rehabilitating more than 12 million hectas of degraded land through strong partnership with local communities and the private sector.
As home to the world's largest mangrove ecosystem, Inertia has established the World Mangrove Center to advance global partnership in harnessing mangroves to support climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
Under global forest goal, Inertia continues to promote inclusive and participatory forest governance to the recognition of 1.4 million hectas of customary forests or Han adapt and the expansion of social forestry to empower women, youth, and customary people.
Indonesia also continues to strengthen transparency and sustainability through its timber legality assurance system as FARDC plus while advancing high integrity forest carbon initiative.
Meanwhile, under the Global Forest Goal five, Indonesia continues to promote effective forest governance through the one map policy, enhancing cross sectoral collaboration to protect Sumatran and Kalimantan alpine habitats, and establishing the innovative financing task force to improve national park management.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
In today's complex geopolitical landscape, we as foresters must remain determined in facing the climate crisis.
Protect Thank you, Your Excellency.
We listen to Minister of Indonesia.
Thank you so much for coming.
Now, in my list, I see Uzbekistan, Tan Ghana, after Turkeya, Germany and Mongolia.
It's a pleasure to me to invite the representative of Uzbekistan.
You have the floor, please.
Good afternoon, Distinguished Chair, esteemed colleagues.
We express our gratitude to UNF Secretariat for organizing this session.
For us, forests are a vital shield against desertification, dust storms and climate change impact.
According to UNCD every year, a territory comparable to Central Asian region, about 4 million square meters degrades globally.
Every minute, 9 square meters of land degrades in Central Asia.
The most widely known example of desertification is an RLC.
In just one human generation, it has turned from one of the largest lakes into new Arlkum desert.
By initiative of the president of Uzbekistan, his excellency Shakhtar Mizev only in five years within the sil Makon nationwide project, more than 1 billion trees planted.
As a result, country's greening level increased from 8% to 14% and we plan to reach 30% by 2030.
As you well know, Republic of Uzbekistan and Republic of Congo initiated UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2027 2036 as a decade of action for afforestation and reorestation.
We appoint a special representative from Uzbekistan responsible for efficient implementation of decade, Mr.
Sakhra Nuralla.
Within this decade, we propose the following.
First, development of the global implementation roadmap for the decade of afforestation.
Second, we call up for expanding the global and regional cooperation to increase green zones and combating certification.
Recently, Central Asian countries launched a regional Green Shield initiative.
We are committed to plan transboundary forests in the area of 1.5 million hectas by 2035.
Third, We propose to promote planting of the drought resistant species.
We call on countries to develop unified forest restoration standards in arid and semi arid zones, and we are ready to provide the Central Asian Center for combating desertification and developing a desert economy as a hub for knowledge sharing.
Fourth, we propose taking concrete measures to establish early warning systems for dust and sandstorms across the global desert belt.
For systematic implementation of the decade of afforestation, we propose to establish regular ministerial conference.
We are ready to host its first meeting in the RLC region next year.
I take this opportunity to invite all delegations to the side event on advancing nature based solution for forest restoration, water, security, and climate resilience following this session.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Mr.
Aziz Abdul Hakimo for your speech.
To take note, he invites the forum to hold the first ministerial meeting in Tashkan next year for the UN Decade of afforestation.
Thank you so much.
We took notes.
Mr.
Minister, thank you so much.
Now, I will invite the representative of Ghana, the Ministers of Ghana, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman, distinguished delegates and gentlemen.
Ghana aligns with the priorities of this session and reaffirms its strong commitment to sustainable forest management.
In Ghana, we have ten commitment into concrete action on three key global forest goals.
First, in the last year alone, through our innovative flagship Tree for Life Restoration initiative, we mobilized citizens and residents of Ghana schools, businesses, and communities to plant over 30 million trees through reforestation, enrichment planting, tree on farms and assisted natural regeneration drives.
We are now stopping there.
From 2nd of June this year, at the start of the rain planting period, we will commence this year's addition to plant additional 30 million trees.
Secondly, Mr.
Chairman, we have woven trees into the fabric of our farming systems.
Under the Ghana Coucoa Forest Red plus Program, a climate part agri forestry initiative, we have integrated native tree planting into cocoa landscapes to boost yields, strengthen farmer resilience, whilst being able to lock in measurable carbon benefits.
Mr.
Chairman, in August 2025, Ghana issued its first flat liances becoming the first in Africa and secondly to Indonesia globally.
That means that every timber product we now ship to Europe carries verifiable proof of legal and sustainable region.
That is transparency, that is accountability.
That is Garner leading by example.
We have also intensified enforcement against illegal logging and mining, and we are diversifying forest financed with bold creative instruments.
We have aligned every stride with the UN strategic plan for forest 2030.
We are proving that restorution protection, and smart financing can work hand in hand.
So this morning I want to invite you to work with us under the renewed canopy of Ghana to safeguard our legacy for posterity and to do right about our planet.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your speech.
In my list, I see a Congo, Turkey, and Germany.
I would like to invite the representative of Congo.
You have the floor, please.
It is a bit difficult from here to see the table, so if you raise your hands.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you for giving me the floor.
The Republic of the Congo congratulates the Bureau of this session of the UN forum on forests.
We thank the Secretariat for the outstanding documents submitted for our consideration.
My delegation also wishes to extend its deep gratitude to all member states who supported the adoption at the UNGA of the United Nations decade for forestation and afforestation and reforestation for 2027 to 2036.
We thank Uzbekistan in particular for its commitment in championing this resolution which you all voted on.
In a context of climate change, endemic poverty, dwindling biodiversity, land degradation, forests are today an essential foundation for environmental, economic and social resilience of our states.
We are a country covered by forests.
As such, we are strongly committed to stewarding our forest resources with a large percentage of our country covered by forests.
69%.
We are always committed to forest management with a deforestation rate that is the lowest in the world, 0.19%.
We're also attempting to conserve biodiversity, and we are going to increase our statistics for biodiversity soon too.
We've also launched a afforestation and reforestation campaign aiming to plant 1 million of forests involving the private sector, young people, and local communities and indigenous communities in this push.
We need international partnerships In order to move forward together, we need to support accessible financing for African countries that are vulnerable to climate change.
We want for the international community to put a watchful eye on the forests of the Congo Basin to ensure that this hot bed of biodiversity can continue to be preserved and for the deforestation rates that we see in Africa to be rolled back and reversed so that we can move toward the preservation of life on our planet.
I thank you for your gracious attention.
Madam Minister.
Thank you, Madam Minister.
Yeah, dear colleagues, together with Uzbekistan and Congo, of course, together with other stakeholders, they played a crucial role on the decade of afforestation, which is the feature of forestry.
Thank you again.
Thank you so much.
Now, it is my pleasure to invite the distinguished delegates from Turkey.
You have the flourish.
Your Excelly.
Thank you for the floor.
We thank the Secretariat for the analytical studies provided.
They offer a vital technical foundation for our review of the UNFF 21 priorities.
Turkey welcomes the change summary from the 20th session, but we must be honest.
Global cooperation remains fragmented, financing is conditional, technology transfer is restricted and disaster response remains national conformed.
Turkey's position is firm.
There is no sustainable forest management without proactive fire management and no proactive fire management without cross border operational cooperation.
Suated at the epicenter of climate driven fires, we have learned that reaction equals failure, preparedness equals sovereignty.
Three effects guide our stance.
The first one, Turkey's 2025 country led initiative proved that AI driven early warning system can reduce response times by over 40%.
The second one, while the UN environment as simply calls for integrated fire strategies, implementation remains voluntary.
The last one without technological collaboration, Global Forest goal five cannot be achieved.
Mr.
Chair, Turkey proposes a concrete solution.
We call on this forum to establish under the international arrangement on forests, the voluntary regional Forest F Par and technology transfer mechanism, starting with the Mediterranean This mechanism would enable real time data sharing on fire risks, operationalize the transfer of firefighting technologies to countries with special needs and link directly to the global fire management hub to avoid duplication.
Additionally, we support limiting country led initiatives to one per intersectional period to prioritize deep follow up over symbolic statements.
Mr.
Chair, forests are the lines of our shared home to support global progress, Turkey.
Yeah.
You see, dear colleagues.
He's my boss actually and I had to cut my microphone.
P on me.
I Yeah, distinguished cases, we listen to Mr.
Abdukh Podat.
He is the V Vice Minister of Agriculture and forestry of Turkey.
Please pray for me.
Thank you.
Dear colleagues, it's a pleasure to invite the representative of Germany.
You have the floor, please.
Chair Excellency, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, Germany aligns with the statement that will be delivered on behalf of the EU and its member states.
We strongly advocate effective multalism.
We are convinced that global cooperation and concerted efforts are more important than ever.
This 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forest UNF can mark a real turning point where policy needs action.
Sgellions are climate change, biodiversity loss, forest degradation, and deforestation.
We must now focus on successfully implementing the UN strategic plan of forest by 2030.
Because protecting forest means protecting our livelihoods, our economies, and our future.
Within the scope of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change, parties will have firmly committed to global forest goal one, reversing forest loss.
Let us use the political momentum to create a practical way that clearly targets our global goals.
The goal to stop and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030 at the latest.
The goal at the same time to acknowledge the economic benefits forests deliver and the goal to find effective ways of governance that allows us to manage, protect, and use our forest sustainable.
Germany is and will remain a strong partner in this mission.
We will continue to support innovative projects that combine forest conservation with sustainable forest management to benefit the livelihood of people who directly depends on forests.
This is the base of sustainable, fair, and competitive value change and for a forest based economy that serfs natures and people equally.
Recently, Germany joined the Forest Group of forested EU countries.
That underlines our firm commitment.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
We heard Professor Marcos Schick, the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Now, in my list, I see Mongolia, the distinguished representatives of Mongolia.
You have the floor, please.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's our honor to represent Mongolia session of the United Nations F on Forest on behalf of the government and peoples of Mongolia.
Mongolia expressed sincere appreciation to the UNFF, Bureau and Secretariat for the continued leadership and addressing sustainable forest management.
We meet at a time when forests have become central to the global response to climate change and environmental degradation.
The forestry sector plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, addressing land degradation, and supporting water security and sustainable livelihood.
In Mongolia, the forests constitute a vital but highly vulnerable ecosystem.
Wild forest coverage is limited.
They provide essential ecological services including carbon sequestration, watershed protection, and biodiversity conservation.
However, they are increasingly affected by climate change, forest fire, pests and insects, and advancing decertification.
These pressures are intensifying and they require sustained and coordinated responsible responses at all levels.
In this regard, Mongolia as steadily implementing its billion national movement.
This reflects Mongolia's national effort to expand forest cover, restore degraded land and strengthen climate change.
In this spirit, I'm pleased to note that in less than ten to 100 days, Mongolia will have the honor of hosting the international community at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention and Coat certification to be held 2017-28 August in Lamba under the name of Restoring and and restoring hope.
Mongolia warmly welcomes all partners to engage in addressing the interconnected global challenges of the land degradation, food insecurity, water scarcity, and system resilience.
Cop 17 will serve as a key platform to strengthen multilateral cooperation and accelerate collective action toward a more sustainable and resilnt future.
As a part of its Cop 17 legacy, Mongolia is advancing four flagship initiatives aligning with the CP 17 action agenda, focusing on land and people, food systems, and soil health, finance, and for the first time water.
These priorities reflects the integrated nature of land, forest and water systems, need for coherent and cross sectoral approaches, excellence is.
The challenges before us Thank you.
Thank you, my dear friend.
We took notes for your kind invitation to the UNCCD cop to be held in Ulambatu in August.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
Dear colleagues, in our list, we have around 30 Members, that's good.
We are here to listen to each other.
Thank you so much for your active engagement.
Now, I would like to invite Cyprus, followed by pardon, National State of Bolivia, followed by Cyprus on behalf of European Union, Is Colombia, and we'll go on.
Now, I would like to invite the representative of Bolivia.
You have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman, Distinguished members of the Secretariat.
I address you on behalf of the new government of Bolivia, which comes to this 21st session at a time of historic political transition.
After two decades of a demaagogic international narrative claiming to respect the Pache mama of Mother Earth, as a Bolivian, I can tell you that we have never seen such mistreatment of a mother as we have over the last 20 years in our country.
The negative outcomes of this are palpable.
They are seen in record levels of deforestation, forest fires, and violations affecting indigenous peoples in the lowlands of Bolivia.
We have inherited a country that is economically weakened, institutionally eroded, and damaged structurally with missed opportunities.
Significant information gaps have prevented us from presenting a decent report on the states of forest during this midterm review as we would have liked.
In this context, the State is profoundly changing the way it conducts its business.
Our government has restored integrity to environmental governance and the conservation of forests and biodiversity.
So we are changing course and we clearly reaffirm that Bolivia has decided to redefine its environmental and forest trajectory.
With 54 million hectares of forest coverage and nine types of ecosystems and extraordinary biological importance, Bolivia is part of the planet's lungs and Based on this responsibility, we are suggesting a deep transformation.
Environmental protection isn't only a cross cutting political decision, it is also a commitment to an alignment with the principles of sustainable development.
We stress that our vision is completely different.
We are approaching this forest management process through a legal, technical, and political framework that puts forests at the heart of sustainable development.
While also being aligned with the green economy and the international agreements to which our country is a party.
We want to correct the distortions that have undervalued our forests in favor of agrbusiness where deforestation of indigenous territories and national parks was facilitated to expand cocoa cultivation used in the production of illicit substances.
Thank you, the distinguished representative of Bolivia.
Thank you so much.
Now, it's pleasure for me to invite the representative of Cyprus on behalf of the European Union.
You have the floor, please.
Thank you.
Mr.
Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates and representatives.
I am honored to speak on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states.
As it is our first intervention, we thank the UNFF Bureau and the UNF Secretariat for its ongoing work and for organizing this 21st session.
We are confident it will yield a fruitful and ambitious outcome.
This week's discussions will allow us to take stock of progress made in implementing the United Nations Strategic Plan for forests and exchange ideas to maximize its impact and promote sustainable forest management worldwide.
The UNSPF provides a strong and unifying framework for global efforts to protect forests and advance their sustainable management.
However, we recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done to meet the global forest goals as also highlighted by ECSC resolution 2024 slash 15 on the implementation of the outcomes of the midterm review.
As we approach 2030, it is important and timely to discuss the progress in the implementation of the outcomes of the IAF midterm review.
In this regard, the EU and its member states call on the Secretariat to use available resources efficiently to deliver impactful results, prioritize core mandate tasks, and consult the member states to update that prioritization.
In our view, the omnibus resolution should briefly welcome progress in implementing the IAF midterm review and encourage continued implementation, stressing the urgency of accelerating action to achieve the global forest goals while ensuring efficiency and synergies given the limited resources available.
Building synergies is essential for the comprehensive and efficient implementation of the IAF.
In this regard, we ask the Secretariat to continue exploring synergies with other divisions within TSA and to cooperate closely with the Secretariat of the three Rio conventions and other relevant bodies, organizations and processes in line with respective mandates.
Moreover, multilateralism and coordinated action are more needed than ever to respond to forest related challenges.
In this regard, we welcome the CPF strategic role in putting forest high on the political agenda, ensuring synergies and promoting sustainable forest management, including restoration of forest ecosystems.
Finally, we underline that engagement is also key.
In this regard, we call on the Secretariat to ensure a broad participation of all major groups and relevant stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth.
In this regard, we welcome the recent report from the major groups coordination mechanism and encourage the Secretariat to upload it on the UNFF website.
We wish everyone a productive 21st session.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, distinguished representative of Cyprus.
Allow me to congratulate for representative presidency because under your presidency, you work a lot for forestry.
Congratulations, and my special thanks to you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Dear colles in my piece, I see Israel and Colombia, Ukraine, Algeria, Thailand, Cuba.
Allow me to invite Gilat from Israel.
You have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Israel is honored to participate in this vital dialogue on forests and the role in addressing global environmental challenges.
We want to thank you and the Secretariat for your hard work and leadership.
As a country with over 60% arid and semi arid land, Israel has long recognized the importance of forests as a key component in promoting sustainability, combating desertification, and enhancing climate resilience.
In 2025, Karen Kemet Lial, Jewish National Fund, the Acting Forest Service in Israel have made several important steps toward achieving global forest goals.
As for GFG one, reversing forest loss, we prepared the plan to expand forest lands and to have proper compensation for forest loss while special attention is given to the negative, our southern dry area.
Israel's long experience in dry forestry has been instrumental in preventing land degradation through innovative methods such as water harvesting, use of drought resistant native species, and soil stabilization.
In addition, we put emphasis on continuity of open spaces and forests to support national ecological corridors.
Inspired by GFG three on protection and forest management, we have developed new policy tools to cope with climate change challenges.
We have published a new policy and guidelines document on forest fire prevention and long term perspective on the restoration process.
Our main objective is creating improved resilience by directing the management efforts to multi age and multi species forest a mixture of conifers and bold leaf trees.
This last year, we published updated policy and methodology for establishing new forests and the renewal of damaged forests, focusing on natural regeneration along with smart plantation.
Special care is given to enhance biological diversity to support resilience on three levels, national, regional and local.
Lastly, following GFG five on governments and policy frameworks, we have drafted the Forest and Trees Act with the aim of strengthening forest protection and having better supervision tools.
We confirm and reaffirm our commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Israel stands ready to share its experience in dry land deforestation and climate resilient forestry practices with countries facing similar challenges.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
We heard Mr.
Gilat Ostrowski, Director of Forest Service.
Thank you so much for joining.
Now in my piece, I see Colombia, Ukraine, Algeria, Colombia, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Colombia conveys respectful greetings and best wishes for the successful discussions in this session.
We trust that they will significantly contribute to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for forests and to achieving the global forest goals.
Colombia comes to this forum as a country with forests covering almost 60 million hectas more than half of our national territory.
We are responsible custodians of the Amazon and of dry forests, both of which are key to global climate regulation, the stability of the hydrological cycle and to ecosystem connectivity.
Colombia, Mr.
Chairman, places its forests and their diversity at the heart of our climate action.
Their protection isn't only an environmental priority, it's also a structural pillar around which we fulfill our national and international commitments.
In this context, we wish to highlight the following areas of progress that Colombia has made.
Firstly, Global Forest goal one aimed at halting deforestation.
Colombia has implemented the comprehensive plan for containing deforestation.
Not only advances the forest management agenda, but also contributes to the peace agenda.
Thanks to this comprehensive approach, with the support of international corporation, we've achieved an historic reduction in deforestation with 36% decrease at the national level 2022-2023 and a 38% reduction across the Amazon.
On Global Forest goal two on economic, social, environmental benefits of forests, Colombia has made headway in consolidating a forest bioeconomy.
This includes sustainable value chains, facilitating access to legal timber markets, and strengthening local capacities through programs such as forest forest extension services, and community training.
On Global Forest goal three, on increasing the areas of forests under sustainable management, Colombia has strengthened its forest governance.
On the 8th of May, Colombia signed its first Campesino forest concession.
However, significant challenges remain.
We call for increased ambition through innovative instruments such as the tropical forests forever Facility, a mechanism that proposes a results based payments approach, recognizing countries' efforts in reducing deforestation, restoring ecosystems and expanding forest cover.
Finally, Colombia encourages this forum to consolidate its relevance within the international environmental architecture.
Thank you very much, Chair.
Cis.
Thank you very much to you.
Icis because of CBD Cop, we had a chance to visit your beautiful country.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Thank you.
Dear Colleague, I see Ukraine, the representative of Ukraine.
Thank you for showing your hands.
You have the floor, please.
Mr.
Chairman, forests in Ukraine cover 10.4 million hectas representing an important component of the country's natural landscape.
Given the impact on natural ecosystem caused by the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, nearly a third of Ukraine's forests have been damaged to varying degrees.
The ecological system of Ukraine is not only the property of Ukraine, but also of Europe and the whole world.
I would like to highlight that as of today, there are up to 1 million hectas of forest in the temporary occupied territory or the territory where hostilities are taking place.
These days, one of the biggest problems of forestry in Ukraine is contamination of 450,000 hectas of territories by unexploded ordinance.
The estimated total amount of damage and losses is more than $157 billion.
As we speak, the aggressor continue to destroy Ukrainian cities and villages, kill Ukrainians and burn forests.
As of now, forest fires covering about 40,000 hectas have been recorded in government controlled territory as a result of the armed aggression.
Our foresters continue to plant forests and rescue wildlife even under rocket fire.
In 2025, we restored 26,000 hectas on of forest and new forests were planted on an area of 1.2 thousand hectaas.
Within the framework of the President of Ukraine program Green Country, 1 billion trees were planted during four years.
We harvested 14.1 million cubic meters of wood, which demonstrates the practice of sustainable forest use as the annual growth of wood exceeds the volume of harvesting.
We are implementing the principles of close to nature forestry.
Despite the wartime challenges, the forest industry of Ukraine demonstrated strong European integration achievements.
European Union has assigned Ukraine the highest status, a country with a low risk of deforestation and forest degradation.
We are fully prepared to meet the requirements of the EUDR and ensure the traceability of timber.
The full scale restoration of Ukraine's forest ecosystems is our main priority.
Glory to Ukraine and thank you.
Thank you, the Distinguished representative of Ukraine.
Thank you so much.
Now, in my piece, I see Algeria followed by Thailand and Cuba and Brazil.
Algeria, you have the floor, please.
Scan.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Algeria underscores the importance of joint efforts in advancing the implementation of the UN strategic plan for forests 2017 to 2030.
In this regard, the Voluntary National Report of Algeria reflects Algeria's firm commitment to contributing to achieving the shared vision of sustainable forest management in line with the Agenda 2013.
My country continues its efforts through the adoption of an effective policy to protect our forest resources, including the establishment of the National Committee for Forest Protection in order to enhance national efforts within the preventive framework.
And in this context, we would like to highlight the following.
First, the project for the rehabilitation of the uh Green Dam has been launched extending its area from 3.7 million hectars to 4.7 million hectars in support of the ecological and development systems.
The initiative aims to protect an area exceeding 16,000 hectars to enhance natural recovery while also creating local economic dynamics for the benefit of around 7 million people, including small producers and rural women.
Second, the participatory approach involving all sectors and civil society within a national strategy for combating forest fires has enabled comprehensive mobilization of national efforts.
It has allowed the reforestation campaigns aimed at ecosystem restoration 2020-2025, resulting in an increase of forest area by 35,400 hectars.
In addition, 1 million trees were planted during the National Tree Day in 2025.
As well as around 5 million trees as part of the Green Algeria Initiative to enhance vegetation cover.
Third, the use of innovative methods in forest protection such as unmanned aerial vehicles, along with strengthened rapid responses and early detection of fire has contributed to reducing burnt forest areas to less than 3,500 hectas in 2024.
In conclusion, Algeria looks forward to continuing our joint efforts in line with our national policy, the global forest goals, and the sustainable development goals, in particular, goal 15, in order to strengthen the global response to the conservation of forest heritage and the protection of biodiversity and adaptation to climate change.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Sun.
Thank you very much.
My pleasure to invite the representative of Thailand.
You have the please.
Yes.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Roya Thai government, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the United Nations for convening this important session to strengthen global cooperation on sustainable forest management.
Thailand reaffirms its undeving commitment to implement the United Nations strategic plan for forests and its six global forest goals.
In line with this plan, Thailand 20 years national strategy set a target to increase our green area to 55% by 2037.
We recognize the vital role of forests in addressing global warming, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem recoation.
Thailand prioritize our forest management policy on enhancing the collaboration between government and local communities in a win win approach.
We have recently updated our Forest Act to empower local communities.
A sustainable forest management is the only possible with the stewardship and fair benefit sharing of those living within Ona forests.
The government has resolved conflict over land use by allocating state land to communities with condition to safeguard surrounding forests.
We have actively implement community forests under the Community Forest Act to improve forest governance and livelihood of forest dependent communities as well as to promote biodiversity and carbon sinks.
There are totally of 12,000 communities forests now covering the area of approximately 2.4 million acres.
We also support them to enhance biodiversity based economy.
In this regard, Thailand welcomed the outcome of IAF midterm review and called for more streamlined access to Global Forest financing facilitation network to assist developing countries bridging the financial gaps for forest management.
Thailand also has applied technology and innovation in forest protection, law enforcement, and forest fire prevention and suspension in cooperation with the relevant agency and regional government.
Lastly, I wish to reiterate Thailand's commitment to work with all parties in protecting and restoring forests in order to achieve our sustainable development goals.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Thailand for your contribution.
It's my pleasure to invite the representative of Cuba.
Cuba, you have.
Thank you, Chairman.
Mr.
Chairman, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to the effective implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017 2030 and to meeting the global forest goals strictly in alignment with the 2030 agenda, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
And its Paris Agreement.
Our country recognizes the essential role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation, conserving biodiversity, protecting the soil and water resources.
Our country has made sustained progress in forestry protection.
Currently, our forestry coverage is over 31% of our national territory as a result of decades of public policy for reforestation, ecosystem recovery, and sustainable forestry management.
The national deminy contribution reaffirms the priority given to the protection of forests as a fundamental resource for carbon capture to strengthen climate change resilience and to reduce soil degradation.
In this context, we continue to promote mangrove restoration policies as well as conservation for vulnerable ecosystems, including coastal areas that are particularly exposed to sea level rise and extreme weather phenomena.
However, these efforts are facing extraordinary obstacles due to the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba, which has been further worsened with the recent fuel siege on the country.
The unilateral coercive measures severely hamper access to financing, technology, fuel, equipment, and essential inputs for sustainable forestry management, for environmental monitoring, for preventing wildfires and the implementation of climate adaptation plans.
It's essential to demand greater efforts cannot be understood that we request more efforts from developing countries while we do not expect as much from developed countries.
Cuba reiterates the need to strengthen international cooperation, ensure access to implementation measures and to funding for countries of the South under the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Thank you.
Mor.
In my, I see Brazil on behalf of United Forest Forests, followed by United Kingdom.
Brazil, you have the floor, please.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the United Forest Forest Groups.
United Forest Forests bring together 20 developing tropical forest countries across the Amazon, Congo Basin in Southeast Asia, and other tropical forest regions.
Launched in Beline in August 2023 on the margins of the Amazon Summit, the group has now grown into a platform for dialogue, political coordination, and collective expression among tropical forest countries.
We come to UNFF 21 with a clear message that we are advancing national efforts in accordance with our respective national circumstances, priorities, and capacities to implement the UN strategic plan forest and the global forest goals, particularly one, three, and five.
Tropical forest countries are willing to do their part, but ambition must be matched by adequate, predictable and accessible means of implementation.
This requires stronger and more coherent forest finance, capable of mobilizing resources at scale, reducing barriers to access and supporting national capacities.
In this context, we highlight the importance of innovative mechanisms such as a tropical forest facility, which can help recognize the value of standing tropical forests and shorten the resource gap to support countries with tropical forests in reducing forest loss and degradation, while providing long term incentive for conservation.
The UNFF has a unique role as the Universal United Nations Forum dedicated specifically to forests.
It can help ensure that the interlinkages among climate, biodiversity, land degradation, and development agendas generate synergies rather than duplication or additional burden for developing countries.
UNFF 21 therefore offers an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation and advance the implementation of the global forest goals.
In the context of UN 80, we're also underlining the importance of continued political support for the UNF Secretariat.
A strong and adequately supported Secretariat is essential to preserve forests as a comprehensive agenda within the United Nations system and to assist member states in delivering on agreed goals.
The United for Forest Group stands ready to contribute constructively to this effort, bringing the voice and experience of tropical forest countries to the center of multilateral forest discussions.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you, Brazil, and my special thanks to you for your work on forestry.
Thank you so much.
Distinguished delegation in my list, I see United Kingdom, followed by Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Malaysia.
United Kingdom, you have the floor, please.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair, Madam Director.
It's great to be back here at the UN Forum on forests and we're grateful for all the work which has gone into preparing for this session.
As we reconvene in 2026, we have an opportunity to reflect on progress made and the challenges ahead in achieving the global forest goals by 2030.
We look forward to fully reviewing the 2026 Global Forest Goals Report.
The latest FAO forest Resource Assessment and World Resources Institute data show clearly that whilst there's been a long term decline in global forest loss since the 1990s, we still face a major challenge in reversing the loss of forest cover worldwide by 2030.
Tropical primary forests remain the critical global risk point despite strong policy action by countries such as Brazil.
Whilst agriculture expansion is still the largest long term driver of loss, we're seeing increased threats from climate driven wildfires.
Progress is being made, which we should all recognize, but it is fragile.
Earlier this year, the UK government conducted an assessment of global biodiversity loss for our economic and food security.
It identified six global ecosystems of which four were forests which were most important.
These tropical and boreal forests underpin regional weather patterns, clean water supplies, food and economic security for millions of people.
Forest protection is not a nice to have, it is essential.
Forest loss is a shared global risk and one we can only address by working together, including a multilateral fora such as this.
The UK government will continue to prioritize forests in our international engagement and development assistance programs.
We will continue to work in partnership to improve forest governance and land tenure, support legal and sustainable supply chains and invest in sustainable forest management.
We will continue to focus our development support on countries that need it most and through partnerships such as the Forest Climate Leaders Partnership.
We must unlock even more finance for forests and we must do it in a challenging international context where resource constraints are real.
We take inspiration from figures such as Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 last Friday and has devoted much of his life to the natural world.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, the distinguished representative of United Kingdom.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Now, I would like to invite the representative of Saudi Arabia, followed by Sitiland Saudi Arabia.
You have the floor, please.
Mr.
Chairman, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its firm commitment to supporting the forest goals and the strategic plan for forests 2017 to 2030, based on our belief that protecting forests and enhancing the vegetation cover and combating desertification are not only environmental issues, but are pillars for food security and quality of life and adaptation to climate change and achieving sustainable development.
Within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, our environmental efforts are a priority that is translated into bold aspirations.
We are rehabilitating large areas of land that have experienced deterioration and we are working to enhance biodiversity and improve the quality of life.
In this context, the National Center for Enhanced Vegetation cover and combating decertification is committed to increasing the vegetation cover and rehabilitating deteriorated land and improving the monitoring of violations and combating them.
My country is proud of our recent achievement that is represented by the rehabilitation of 1 million hectars of deteriorated land and the planting of 159 million trees and we're committed to increased efforts on the long term in order to restore ecosystems.
Mr.
Chairman, the Kingdom continues its national efforts in line with international multilateral action.
Accordingly, we reiterate our readiness to continue cooperation with member states and the United Nations and international partnerships in order to accelerate the global forest goals and to improve financing and experience exchange in service of a more prosperous and stable future for future generations.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Shukran.
Thank you very much.
A, I know Saudi Arabia is working very actively and successfully on dry land forestry.
Congratulations.
I see there is a future because of your work for the future of forestry.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Dear colleagues, I see in my list, Switzerland, the distinguish of Switzerland.
You have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency's distinguished delegates, thank you to the UNFF Secretariat for organizing this 21st session of the forum.
Switzerland would like to contribute four points.
First, we underline the importance of the strategic positioning of the forum within the broader international policy landscape.
Forests are central to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and sustainable development.
We welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen synergies across conventions and institutions as well as the outreach activities of the Secretariat, CPF members and countries.
These efforts should continue in a sustained manner, building stronger bridges between frameworks to improve coherence and heighten impact.
At the same time, visibility activities should be carefully assessed in terms of costs and benefits to ensure clear added value.
Second, Switzerland values country led initiatives and the opportunity to engage with them.
They bring concrete issues and solutions to the forum.
This year's thematic priorities on forest based bioeconomy, forest fires, and forest restoration clearly illustrate both the breadth and urgency of the challenges forests and our societies face.
Third, Switzerland underlines the continuing importance of the international arrangement on forests and the global forest goals.
As we move towards the 2030 final review, this process must not become purely technical.
It should lead to a revitalized and more effective arrangement.
Our focus must remain anchored in the global forest goals while also reflecting on perspectives beyond 2030.
Finally, from Switzerland's perspective, the CP 30 presidency roadmap for halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030 is of strategic importance.
We see it as a potential bridge between high level international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the practical implementation of sustainable forest management.
We therefore encourage reflection within the forum on how this roadmap can support the global forest goals and reinforce Forest contribution to broader international environmental objectives.
We look forward to engaging in the discussion over the coming days.
Thank you.
Thank you, Aland.
Thank you so much for your deliberation.
Dear colleagues, before the first break, we have around 10 minutes.
We will have break 1:00 P.M.
Thank you so much for being with us, for your patience.
I see in my Malaysia, Cotivor and Russia before the break.
Then during the break time we will have side events.
In my dis I see many countries, many members.
This is really good.
Thank you so much for your active participation.
In the afternoon, we will go on to listening on the list.
Now, I would like to invite the distinguished delegation of Malaysia.
Thank you for raising your hands.
It's really difficult for you to see he's speaking.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Malaysia is proud to be one of the world's 17 mega diverse countries with forests that play a vital role in climate regulation, water security, and the well being of our people.
Since 1992 Earth summit in Rio de Geno, Malaysia has remained steadfast in its commitment to maintain at least 50% of our land area under forest and tree power.
Today, we continue to exceed this target with 54.40% or approximately 17.99 million hectaas remaining under forest and tree power.
Listing delegates, like many developing countries, Malaysia continue to face increasing pressure from completing land use, infrastructure expansion, and financial and technological constraints in forest conservation and monitoring.
In response, Malaysia has strengthened its policy and legal frameworks, including the Malaysia policy on forestry and the national policy on biological diversity 2022 to 2030.
We are also advancing major landscape initiatives such as the Central Forest Pine and Heart of Borneo, while intensifying enforcement, restoration, and nationwide tree planting efforts.
International cooperation remains essential.
Greater access to technology, capacity building, and sustainable financing is critical to support long term forest conservation.
Malaysia therefore encourages stronger support from global financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility.
We also emphasize the importance of afforestation, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration supported by meaningful technology transfer and inclusive participation of indigenous people, local communities, civil society, and private sector.
Mr.
Chair, Mia remains committed to working closely with all partners to advance balanced, inclusive and sustainable forest conservation in line with the Internet's national circumstances.
Thank you, Chair.
So much.
I will invite the distinguished delegation from Cour Divi.
You have the floor, please.
Mr.
Chairman, distinguished delegates, I'd like to begin by reassuring you of the full contribution by the delegation of Cour de Voi to ensure the success of this 21st session of the United Nations Forest Forum.
We grant particular importance to the sustainable management of forests in line with the United Nations Strategic plan on forestry for 2017 2030, which aims to increase global forest coverage to halt deforestation and to enhance the socioeconomic benefits and environmental benefits of forests.
With this in mind, facing the persistent challenges of deforestation and land degradation, my country has undertaken root and branch reforms to sustainably restore our forestry coverage, particularly through the signing of voluntary contribution agreements with the United European Union, with a A and also committing to afforestation, agro forestry, and forestry landscape restoration programs together with the global forestry in line with the global forest goals.
This was recognized by the decision of the Green Climate Fund to establish its regional Bureau of Africa and Côte D'ivoire This bears out the trust granted to our country in terms of climate and forestry policies and represents a major opportunity to strengthen Côte D'ivoire contribution to meeting the strategic plans goals, particularly in terms of mobilizing green financing and providing support to African forestry initiatives.
Madam Mr.
Chairman, my delegation welcomes the initiatives and the pledges announced and recorded in 2025, which reflect growing awareness of the central role of forests to achieve the strategic plan and the sustainable development goals.
However, we call for more equitable, predictable, and simplified access to forestry finance to allow developing countries to fully follow on on their commitments.
Core de Voir also reaffirms its commitment to the international arrangement on forests as the essential mechanism for the implementation of the strategic plan, promoting international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
We believe that the success of this global strategic framework will depend on stepping up implementation mechanisms, transferring technology transfers, and building national capacities and more supportive, inclusive, results oriented international cooperation.
To conclude, Côte D'ivoire reaffirms its willingness go.
Yeah.
Thank you very much.
G.
I know in my there are many member states.
If I read the list, Peru, Norway, Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Philippines, Russian Federation, India, Australia, Jamaica, Islamic Republic of Iran, Mexico, China, Brazil, Argentina, and children and youth module groups, so this is really good.
But we are concluding our first session in the afternoon, we will have 2 minutes instead of three, please prepare your in line with this time.
Before conclusion, there is a request from Russian Federation on the right of reply.
The exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with the Rule 45 of the rules of procedures of the function commissioner of the Economic and Social Council.
Russia has the floor for 2 minutes, please.
Mr.
Chairman, distinguished colleagues, the Russian Federation asked for the right of reply.
This is in connection with the statement delivered by the representative of Ukraine.
We roundly reject the accusations against us.
They have nothing to do with the issues that we are considering in the UNFF.
For the years of its existence, the forum has been an authoritative, non-political platform, chiefly for a constructive exchange of opinions on the most crucial issues in forestry.
In that regard, we ask for everyone to stop using the forum for anti-russian rhetoric, and we reiterate our commitment to engaging in non-politicized cooperation with all interested delegations.
I thank you.
Thank you, the representatives of Russia.
Now, the distinguished delegates, we are closing our first session.
Before closing, allow me to invite you for the side events.
These are really important.
In this time, we have three side events for today.
The first one will be in conference room D by GEF UNIFF Secretariat, and IUCN.
The second one will be conference room eight with UNFFCC Cop 30 presidency led by Brazil, I guess, and UFC Secretariat.
It will be watch on the TV and the third one will be here at the conference room four, led by Uzbekistan and IUCN.
Mr.
Azaz Abdel Haka here is waiting for you.
With this last one, I am pleased to completes our session.
Thank you so much for joining.
In the afternoon, we will be here at 3:00 P.M.
Is there any other announcements? Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, my colleagues.
Have a nice day, Bon Appétit.
Thank you.