(4th meeting) UN Forum on Forests, 21st session (UNFF21)

Good afternoon, colleague, Excellency, distinguich delegate.
I call to order the fourth meeting of the United Nations Forum on Forest at its 21st session.
Before proceeding with our program of work for this afternoon, we will continue the general discussion of item three F from this morning.
Delegations are kindly requested to strictly adhere to the time limits of 3 minutes for statements on behalf of a group of states and 2 minutes for statements by individual delegations.
Delegations speaking on behalf of a group are currently asked to inform the Secretariat in the room to be given priority in the least.
To assist the speakers in the managing their time, the light on the microphone will start blinking 30 minutes before the time limit is reached to indicate that the speaker should start continuing the statement.
If the speaker continue behind the time limit, the microphone will be automatically muted.
Nonetheless, I would like to request the speakers to deliver statements at normally speaking speed for purposes of interpretation.
Longer versions of a statement may be sent for circulation through statements.
Now, I give the floor to the representative of Russian Federation, followed by European Union.
Thank you.
We would like to thank you for the information about the main expenditure items and donors in 2025 and for all of the unplanned expenditure.
We note that it would be desirable to when we consider a global forest finance and facilitation network to go by the view that the financing of network and information centers goes from extra budgetary resources, voluntary contributions, that is, of member states into the forest trust fund.
I would like to also in this regard support any initiatives in this regard, including the initiative by China.
I draw your attention to the fact that this view has been under consideration for a long time since 2018, as was mentioned, and we would like to make sure that this does not become an endless process because of our lengthy discussions.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of the Russian Federation and give the floor to the representative of European Union.
Thank you, Chair, Your Excellency's, distinguished delegates.
I am honored to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states.
We thank the Secretariat for the thorough report on the key global developments regarding the implementation of sustainable forest management on the global facilitation Networks activities, the EcoSc 2024 slash 15 resolution implementation, and the proposed Beijing Office on which we wish to continue receiving information on the progress.
We would appreciate if the Secretariat shared the statement delivered by the director on this agenda item.
We welcome the support provided by the network in strengthening country's capacity to mobilize resources from all sources for sustainable forest management and invite members of the collaborative partnership on forests to actively engage in the activities of the network.
We welcome the work of the network clearing house in providing access to data, knowledge, and information on forest financing.
To fully understand the additional needs and benefits of a global hub, we highlight the wording on paragraph five in the background document where the need for a prior analysis of impact of the network clearing houses work and possible cost implications of developing a global hub are emphasized.
Furthermore, it is also essential that we ensure the engagement of relevant CPF members in the process of possibly developing a global hub.
Financing for forests is crucially important for achieving global forest goals.
We take note of the report of the state of forest financing, and we agree to what the Secretariat wrote.
Resources must come from all sources, private and public, international and domestic.
Finally, we stress the need for relevant organizations to resource mobilization within their mandates, to work together avoiding duplication and recognize the role of the CPF in strengthening synergies.
The omnibus resolution should encourage forest financing from all sources, including international financial flows and to emphasize the importance of innovative financial instruments and underline the need for synergies with climate and biodiversity financing.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the European Union and give the floor to representative of Japan, followed by Colombia.
Sure.
As decision of 19 session shows, the the regarding the digital program frame, we support the point la by Switzerland.
In addition, as the resolution of 19 session shows, the Secretariat was requested to provide comprehensive written update on Beijing office for proper consideration and discussion.
Also, we have some explanation from the secretat today.
We would like to have not only the oral explanation, but also written update.
Thank you.
I thank the distinguished representative of Japan, I'm giving the floor to the representative of Colombia.
Colombia, you have the floor.
M.
Thank you very much.
Vice Chair, forgive me the floor.
I will be very brief.
Indeed, we recognize the recent progress made in terms of forest financing and the growing recognition of the strategic role played by forests in mitigation and adaptation to climate change, as well as the relationship they have with the inhabitants that reside in the forest.
We know that renewed political momentum to ensure that forests are at the heart of our work alongside other climate factors is important.
But however, as indicated by the Secretary-General, the deficit in forest financing continues to be deep and pledges made are not enough.
Means of implementation should be predictable, adequate, sustainable, so that the national priorities can be heeded with sustainable forest management ensured.
Financing must be concessional, should not create more debt.
It must be accessible and affordable, particularly for developing countries.
Innovative instruments can complement existing efforts.
Indeed, we've heard a number of examples about this, but they should not be converted into new mechanisms which tie conditions to financing or make it exclusive.
Neither should financing responsibilities being placed on the shoulders of public coffers.
There should be proper facilitation of forest financing.
The facilitation facility should be given the resources it needs to allow financing and the exchange of information, particularly through the centers of Information.
We reiterate that it is only through renewed multilateral cooperation based on responsibility and equity, as well as common and differentiated responsibilities that we can guarantee means of implementation to achieve the global forest goals and the 2030 agenda.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Colombia.
I see no further requests for the floor.
The forum has thus concluded the general discussions of Item three.
Now I invite the Secretariat of the UNFF to present her remarks.
Madam, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
First of all, I would like to really to assure you that the copy of my statement on the update on the establishment for the proposed office in Beijing will be shared with all of you.
By the end of the day, you will receive it.
I just want to clarify one point of your concern and really ask for your indulgence and your mercy.
I hear several in the room that we need to use efficiently the resources that we have at the Secretariat.
Also, some of the distinguished delegates also alluded about the efficient use of the resources in relation to the establishment of the proposed office in China.
I just want to start telling you that we spend zero money in this process.
Nobody travels to China to go and negotiate.
Everything that we do is virtual.
Yes, we spend staff time or zero money.
Regarding the activities of the Secretariat, if you may recall yesterday the kinds of activity that I present to you since we last met at the UNFF 20, starting for the resolution, the CLIs, the webinars, communication, Zero spent in all this activity, zero.
Because we have limited resources, we talked about an innovative way to work due to those limited resources.
Distinguish delegate our budget on regular budget, annual regular budget for 2025, $4,000.
$4,000 which we have not received.
In principle, we have $4,000 but no cash.
We are operating thanks to Canada, a long standing contributor to the trust fund, who is already looking at supporting us for this year.
Germany, longstanding contributor to the trust fund, and we used to have also Finland, and we have the Republic of Korea, we have China.
And the presentation of the trust fund will be done, I think tomorrow tomorrow right? You will see how dire is the situation.
When you talk about effective use of resources, I'm asking myself, what resources are we talking about? Where are those resources? No way.
We have now to think about all the approaches, even with the digital method.
We used to support countries on capacity building, the same countries sometimes on capacity building, on validation, we say no, we cannot continue, we don't have money for that.
Now we tested the regional approach to promote exchange of knowledge, to increase reach, but also to be as much as effective possible.
Please have mercy when you talk about efficient use of resources.
We don't have any resources.
And we hear you when you say prioritize, we prioritize the activities we presented to you yesterday, those activities, if we spend money somewhere, is the global forest goes reports.
For that, we use $47,000, including the platform and the printing.
Thanks to Canada who gave us $39,000 and GF gave us $8,000.
So We hear you about prioritizing, but there's no money that we use in an efficient way.
But you see, when we want also to increase the visibility of USF, we want to mobilize resources.
Forest Pavilion, you're here, it is good, it is not good.
We should not be there.
How can we mobilize resources virtually? How? I mean, it has reached a point where even to attend the COF meeting and I want to be grateful to my colleagues, the director of FAO.
I said, we don't have money.
He said no way.
We need an update on UNFF and UNFF cannot miss its COF meeting to cover the cost of my travel.
And we are Secretariat of UNFF So please, when we report to you that there are some important activities that we carry out, we are mindful of how to use the resources.
But unfortunately, those resources, if it were not for those companies who continue to support, we won't even talk about the resource today.
I told you $4,000 which we had not received on regular budget.
So sometimes we see opportunities and challenges because these limited resources that we have to manage also force us to think of other strategy.
Today, countries are really happy about the regional approach on the G two FN.
And because it's got some benefits that we have not even seen before.
I just want to clarify because that may happen also in our future discussion before the end of this session, there are things that you don't know and need clarification.
Thank you very much.
I thank the Director of the UNFF for further explanation and clarification needed under item three F.
I now invite the forum to begin its consideration of agenda item three G, monitoring, assessment, and reporting.
Voluntary national reporting on progress in implementing the United Nations Strategic Plan forest 2017, 2013, the United Nations Foreign Instrument and voluntary National contribution.
I now invite Mass Thomas Yusuk of the UNFF Secretariat to introduce the note by the Secretariat as contained in document ESIC and 1820265.
Mr.
Yukov, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Good afternoon, Distinguished delegates.
Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues.
I will briefly provide you with a quick update of the main activities that the Secretariat conducted since the last session of the forum in the area of monitoring assessment and reporting.
The presentation is based on the note provided by the Secretariat.
The note symbol is E slash n dot 18 slash 2026 slash five.
Note is divided into main four substantial activities.
One relates to the voluntary national reporting process, 2024, 2026, preparation of the Global Forest Goal Report 2026.
There is a short update on the global core set of forest related indicators, and proposal for the forum consideration.
The main sharp part of the note is linked to the voluntary national reporting process.
As you know, the forum has established advisory group on reporting to U NFF.
It was done by UNFF 19 in according to the adopted terms of reference.
This group was actively involved throughout the entire reporting cycle.
Um, not only in providing feedback into the draft report, but also in previous steps, meaning establishment of the online reporting platform, providing input into the explanatory notes, testing the platform, helping us to select the right tool, et cetera.
So we're grateful for a good working atmosphere with that body and they were really helpful in providing the guidance.
The other main element of the reporting cycle was the capacity being activities we have had workshop in Nairobi in March 2025.
Then following the last session of the forum in June 2025, the Secretariat also organized a webinar online Um, during this webinar, we try to hopefully we did answer all the questions and clarifications and related to the platform, to the substance, to the format.
Those were the two main capacity building activities which were conducted pretty much in the six months within which the report with the countries.
The link to the online platform was disseminated to the main national focal points in January 2025.
The deadline for submission was June 2025, and Most unfortunately, we received most of the national report after the deadline.
Some of them were submitted just a few days, some few weeks, and some few months after the deadline.
The online platform was available in three languages in English, French, and Spanish.
It was disseminated along with the explanatory notes and overall in this reporting cycle, we received 48 national reports.
Following the conclusion of the submission of reports to the Secretariat, we also conducted a short survey, basically asking about the main challenges that countries encountered while they were preparing the reports, challenges regarding the platform, but also the benefits that countries basically experience with preparing the national reports.
And here I can say that in fact, there were a number of challenges, mostly of them they were linked to the availability of data, coordination issues.
But also the feedback that we received from several country was positive in the sense that the preparation of national reports served to communicate and exchange information on forest related issues with stakeholders at the national level.
The data and information that was collected for the report to UNFF was also used for assessing and formulation of national policies and programs and also facilitated integration and assessment of integration of international commitments into the national forest policies and programs.
Overall, it also contributed in several cases to raising the visibility of the forum at the country level.
We also received some lessons learned and feedback both in this mentioned survey but also from the advisory group.
Most of them they were linked to more and more frequent capacity building activities.
There were some glitches and potential room for improvement on the online reporting platform.
And also several countries pointed out that the next reporting cycle, which will be 2030, it will be the final one of the assessment of the global forest goals and targets.
Therefore, there will be more need for further harmonization and even more streamlining of the international forest related reporting processes.
The note on the Secretariat also contained information how we got into the GFG report 2026.
The work on the publication started in July 2025 and was finalized just in May, as some of you witnessed, the launch was yesterday.
We as a Secretariat worked very closely with two consultants, an editor, we also received feedback from the advisory group and follow the guidance of this body, as well as the colleagues and team of the FAO FR, which basically most of the quantitative data is included in the report.
We encountered many challenges in preparing this publication.
One of them was the relatively low number of submitted national reports.
The number was lower in comparison to the previous reporting cycle.
In 2021, we had 52 reports.
This time, it was only 48.
And only 23 countries participate in both reporting cycles.
It was difficult to assess exactly to see the trends because the overlap, 23 countries represent around 30% of the world's forests.
We also had issues related to some data gaps.
As you all know, we have very good data linked to the hectars of forests, cubic meters, the biophysical forest data.
There are still large gaps in terms of the socioeconomic data, in terms of the financial flows for forests and sustainable forest management, and particularly to the Global Forest goal two, which talks about the forest dependent people, poverty, and contribution of forests to food security.
But overall, the report that we received, they were really good, very well written, very rich.
Again, basically, the message we received, we concluded that countries are doing the right things and the things are moving in the right direction, but as it was mentioned yesterday, not yet with the right speed or scale that is needed in order to achieve those goals by 2030.
As I mentioned, this report was launched yesterday as planned.
The note also contains a few proposal for consideration by the forum.
One of them is, of course, to welcome the submission of the reports that were submitted in this reporting cycle, and hopefully we will receive more in the last and final reporting cycle in 2030.
The proposal is also to request the foreign Secretariat FAO and other CPF members to continue strengthening capacity building activities for member states.
There is a note of appreciation to the advisory group members for their active involvement in this work, and we invite all members of the forum to disseminate the findings of the report and promote it among other relevant stakeholders.
Finally, there is also a one more proposal for the CPF members to further advance the work on the global cost of forest related indicators.
There are still a few tier three indicators for which we still have very limited data methodology and sometimes even the definitions are problematic.
I think that is from my side, just before I conclude, I would like to once again thank you all the countries that submitted the national reports to us.
I think the preparation and submission of the national reports, it's not only a source of information, but also a strong expression of countries engagement in this process and in the work in the forum.
Secondly, I would like to express appreciation to the members of the advisory group.
For the very valuable guidance and constructive engagement throughout the whole time and preparatory process.
And lastly, once again, a big thank you to the government of Canada for the generous contribution and without which basically production of this report would not be possible.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks to representative of UNFF Secretariat for introducing the report.
I now invite the forum to begin its general discussion of agenda item three G.
Delegations are invited to indicate the request for the floor by pressing the button on the microphone console.
Delegations are reminded to adhere to the time limits of 3 minutes for a statement on behalf of a group of states and 2 minutes for statements by individual delegations.
Delegations speaking on behalf of a group are kindly asked to inform the Secretariat in their room in order to be given priority in the least.
To assist the speakers in managing their time, the light on the microphone will stop blanking 30 seconds before the time limit is reaching to indicate that the speaker should start concluding the segment.
If the speaker continues behind the time limit, the microphone will be automatically muted.
Nonetheless, I would like to request the speakers to deliver statements at normally speaking speed for purposes of interpretation.
Longer version of the statement may be sent by circulation through estates at un.org.
I give the floor to the representative of Guyana, followed by Republic of Korea.
Guyana, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Again, I welcome the Secretariat note and continued focus on strengthening monitoring assessment and reporting on the United Nations Strategic Plan for forests.
Robust monitoring frameworks are essential for tracking progress towards the global forest goals and for promoting credibility, transparency and accountability in global forest governance.
In this regard, again emphasizes that monitoring systems should be scientifically robust and internationally compatible while remaining flexible enough to reflect national circumstances and practical for developing countries to implement.
Chair again underscores the importance of integrating remote sensing and satellite based monitoring systems, national forest inventories and jurisdictional approaches to carbon accounting and land use monitoring in order to strengthen data equality and decision making.
At the same time, capacity constraints continue to pose significant challenges for many developing countries.
We therefore support enhanced technical assistance, technology transfer, and predictable financing, strengthened monitoring, reporting, and verification systems.
And four stresses that reporting procedures should generate actionable insights and should be implementable rather than to create unnecessary reporting burdens.
Greater alignment across reporting frameworks under the UN EAC, CBD, UN CCD, and the sustainable development goals would also help reduce duplication and improve efficiency.
I think you.
I thank the representative of the Koreana and give the floor to the representative of Republic of Korea, followed by Cyprus.
Thank you Chair.
The Republic of Korea expresses its sincere appreciation to the Secretariat and the Bureau for facilitating policy discussions on the UNSPF implementation.
We also welcome the publication of the JFD report, 2026 on highly meaningful achievement in our collective effort.
Regarding the reporting process, following its first report, Korea has now submitted its second voluntary National report.
We found the process multiple manageable thanks to the improved template reflecting member states views, and we urge wider participation to ensure a more comprehensive FT report.
While the current self assessment approach effectively saves administrative costs, there's a need to enhance its reliability.
To avoid subjective interpretations, we suggest providing more specific criteria or methodologies for this assessment.
For the next VNA cycle, we hope that a simple methodology can be developed to assess progress, regression, or lack of progress based on the current self assessment framework.
The Republic of Korea, we also endeavor ready to contribute to this process.
Finally, with 2030 approaching, we believe stronger alignment must be promoted between national reporting and the GFT report, particularly in connection with the final review of the International arrangement on forest.
We look forward to these discussions being further developed at the 22nd session of the forum.
Thank you.
Thank the Republic of Korean, give the floor to the representative of Cyprus speaking on behalf of the European Union, Cyprus, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I'm honored to speak on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states.
We commend the parties having reported voluntarily.
We appreciate the efforts of the CPF and its members in streamlining reporting, and they're ready to continue cooperating in this area.
We welcome the online format for the submission of national voluntary reports, which facilitated the reporting for members.
We also acknowledge the value of capacity building activities such as the three day workshop organized by the UNFF and FAO in Nairobi and the webinar on national reporting organized by the UNF Secretariat.
We appreciate the work of the CPF in further developing the global core set of forest related indicators and definitions to be considered in the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment.
We welcome the official launch of Global Forest Global.
Global Forest goals Report 2026, we acknowledge the challenges and limitations revealed by the analysis and encourage the UNFF to continue working towards a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of progress towards the UNSPF and the SDGs.
As regards the finalization of the global goal set of indicators, we would like to underline the importance of maximizing efficiency and effectiveness while minimizing overlaps for forest related reporting under the UNFF, FAO, UNF AAC, and CBD.
It is important that all relevant organizations work together to avoid duplication of work.
The CPF can continue to play a facilitating role.
On the same note, regarding monitoring of the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forest, the EU and its member states consider that important sources of information include the following the FAO Forest Resources Assessment, Forest Europe, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, and the European National Forest Inventory Network.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank representative of the Cypress spoke on behalf of the European Union.
The next speaker is Canada, followed by Malaysia and Mexico, Canada, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
We note the excellent work of the Advisory Committee and we thank the committee in streamlining the reporting template as well as the availability of the online reporting platform.
To echo the EU, we also appreciate the efforts by the Secretariat, the FAO, and other CPF members in building capacity for reporting on the GFGs and support continuation on this front.
As noted in the background paper, participation in the midterm review reporting cycle was lower than the first cycle.
The forum has invested significant time and resources in developing the strategic plan, negotiating the goals, targets and indicators, and reviewing inputs.
Submission from only 48 countries in a body with universal membership limits the forum's ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of progress, which in turn constrains our shared efforts to advance SFM.
We would like to better understand the factors influencing reporting rates and to continue to support member states in increasing participation to ensure a meaningful final review, and so would welcome the Secretary's proposal for improving forest reporting.
Lastly, we also support the CPFs continued work on the global core set, as well as further streamlining of forest related reporting mechanisms in the lead up to 2030.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the Canada and give the floor to the representative of Malaysia, followed by Mexico and United Kingdom.
Malaysia, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Distinguished delegates.
Malaysia welcomes the ongoing efforts of the CPF and the UNFF Secretariat to advance monitoring, assessment, and reporting, as well as to streamline global forest related reporting processes.
NASA has completed its submission to the FAO FRA 2025, which has since been published.
We also welcome the FRA platform that enables voluntary updates to reflect the latest national data.
Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in compiling socioeconomic forest related data, which requires strengthened human resources, institutional capacity, and digital tools.
NASA also expresses its appreciation to UNFS Secretariat and FAO for organizing the voluntary national reporting workshop in Nairobi and the virtual sessions conducted in 2025.
These initiatives have been valuable in strengthening technical capacity, identifying data gaps, and supporting national reporting processes.
Malaysia believes that reporting frameworks and indicators should remain practical, manageable, and responsive to national circumstances, including data availability and institutional capabilities.
At the same time, accurate, up to date, and comparable data remain essential to support progress towards the GFGs.
Malaysia emphasizes the importance of utilizing national data to strengthen linkages across global frameworks, including the UNSPF, CBD, UNF TAC.
However, Malaysia remains concerned about the overlapping reporting requirements across multiple platforms, including FRA, UNFF reporting, BTR and biodiversity related reporting, and therefore underscores the need for greater coherence and harmonization to reduce reporting burdens.
Despite these challenges, Malaysia was among the 11 Asian countries I thank the representative of Malaysia and give the floor to the representative of New Mexico, followed by United Kingdom and Australia.
Mexico, you have the floor.
Mas, thank you very much, Vice Chair.
Mexico recognizes the importance of voluntary national reports as tools to assess progress with the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests, as well as the United Nations Forest Instrument and voluntary national contributions.
Our country participated in the advisory group that supported the form Secretariat in reviewing the online reporting platform and in the issuance of recommendations to increase participation and the submission of voluntary national reports against that backdrop, we value the progress with the implementation of the platform.
It facilitates the production, presentation, and analysis of reports.
We also recognize the efforts made to avoid duplication through coordination with the FAO and other relevant organizations, including through the use of information from official sources and the use of the Global Forest Resources assessment process.
In July 2025, Mexico presented its voluntary national report.
It was drawn up by the National Forestry Commission.
With the cooperation of various institutions from the environment sector and the natural resources sector.
It covered progress, challenges, and national experiences in the 2020 to 2025 period.
It is important to continue strengthening technical assistance and cooperation mechanisms to help with the production of future reports.
This is particularly important with four countries with limited technical and institutional capacity.
We also support measures designed to improve access to information and designed to strengthen the capacities of institutions responsible for national reporting processes.
Finally, we urge work to continue on harmonizing and rationalizing reporting processes in the forest field.
This together with other multilateral initiatives in order to reduce administrative burdens and avoid overlapping.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of New Mexico and give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom, followed by Australia and China.
United Kingdom, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
The UK welcomes the Secretariat's note and we thank the UNFF Secretariat for continued efforts to improve the reporting architecture.
We particularly welcome the new online reporting platform and supporting guidance, which should help improve response rates.
However, several major forest countries are absent and underrepresented in the report, and as such, the findings are indicative rather than exhaustive.
But they do provide valuable insights into progress against the goals.
From the UK's perspective, our submission reflects both progress and persistent challenges.
On GFG one, woodland cover in the UK continues to expand and now stands at 14% of land area.
This figure is still very low when compared to the European average and legally binding targets have been set to further increase it.
On goal three, high proportion of UK forests are actively managed under the UK forestry Standard, our government's approach to sustainable forest management.
This framework links domestic timber production to sustainability standards, including through public procurement.
Nonetheless, long term challenges remain in restoring ancient and semi natural woodlands and improving ecological condition, particularly as climate related disturbances increase.
On goal five, the UK experience demonstrates the value of stable governance frameworks and long term investment in monitoring.
The UK Forestry Standard and the UK's National Forest Inventory show that forest resilience and credible reporting depend on sustained commitment to standards, regulation, and data.
While the UK's forest area is modest in global terms, our wider contribution lies in supporting action internationally and efforts to drive transformational change in forest governance, finance, trade, and markets.
I'm out of time.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of the United Kingdom and give the floor to the representative of Australia, followed by China and Brazil, Australia, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Australia thanks to the Secretary for the comprehensive note and ongoing efforts to strengthen the UNFF reporting framework.
Australia remains a strong supporter of robust, transparent and efficient reporting processes which are essential to underpin credible assessment of progress towards the UNS, FPF and the Global Forest goals.
Australia is concerned by declining reporting rates in the current cycle, including from countries that have historically reported.
The absence of key forest nations risks undermining the credibility and representativeness of the Global Forest goals Report.
Australia supports efforts to streamline international forest reporting processes, including through better alignment across existing frameworks and improved use of data collected through processes such as the FAO Forest Resources Assessment.
In this regard, Australia supports the proposal outlined in paragraph 42 B of the note by the Secretariat.
Building on this and consistent with a recommendation emerging from the Asia Pacific Forestry Commission, Australia would welcome further strengthening of this approach and will provide a suggestion to the Secretariat on this.
As a member of the advisory group on reporting, we look forward to working with the Secretariat and other members of the advisory group to ensure the final reporting cycle delivers a credible and meaningful assessment of progress towards 2030.
Australia considers that the value of this final reporting cycle lies not only in measuring progress, but in ensuring that the evidence base for forests is robust enough to inform decisions beyond 2030.
Further, we would also like to thank the FAIO for the release of the 2025 Global Forest resource Assessment.
The data generated continues to provide a strong foundation for various reporting efforts and we appreciate its integration into the broader forest monitoring and assessment landscape.
We also extend our appreciation to the FAO and other CPF partners involved in its work and we look forward to further developments.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Australia and give the floor to the representatives of the China, followed by Brazil and India.
China, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
China welcomes and congratulates once again the publication of the Global Forest goals Report 2026 and appreciates the efforts made by the Secretariat and its consultants and experts in monitoring assessment and reporting, especially the innovative development of the online reporting platform and the organization of the workshop for developing countries in Nairobi.
China joins other countries in appreciation of FAO and other CPF member organizations in enhancing capacity building of countries with a view to facilitate the reporting.
China is concerned with the limited number of countries submitting the reports.
The secretaria could learn from the experience and lessons learned of this cycle of national reporting, further coordinate with other processes in data collection, improve consistency and work efficiency, and reduce the reporting burden of countries.
More experts from developing countries can be invited to participate in the development of the reporting template in the next reporting cycle, improve the transparency and participation, and further efforts can be taken to strengthen collaboration with other related processes for improving the reporting capacity of countries with a view to increase the submission rate of national reports.
We also propose the Secretariat to introduce the GFG report and the possible development of other related communication materials on other multilateral occasions, including within the UN system to enhance the visibility of forests.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of China and give the floor to the representative of Brazil, followed by India and Togo.
Brazil, you have the floor.
Thank you Chair.
Monitoring, assessment, and reporting are essential for informed decision making.
At the same time, reporting should remain voluntary, objective, and streamlined and attentive to the capacities of developing countries.
The UNFF reporting process should then avoid duplication with other international processes.
Brazil submitted its national report to the UNFF for the 2024, 2026 cycle.
The report presents actions undertaken since 2020 to implement the UNSPF and the GFGs.
It includes information on the robust public policies that allowed for the results we were able to showcase yesterday, such as reaching the second lowest deforestation rate in the historical series.
Brazil also wishes to highlight the importance of national monitoring systems.
Our initiatives are supported by systems designed to provide transparency and guide enforcement, such as Protes, the VD Madas EAC CLS, the National Forest Information System, the rural Environmental Registry and Environmental regularization dashboards.
Also, a national spatial monitoring and reporting systems for areas under native vegetation recovery is under development in partnership with the National Institute for Space Research.
This will support annual monitoring of progress toward the target of restoring 12 million hectares of native vegetation by 2030.
Brazil also knows the importance of fire related information systems.
Under the national policy on integrated fire management, the National Fire Information System will help ensure systematization and public access to data related to fire management across the national territory.
On indicators, Brazil supports technical and participatory work to improve the global core set of forest related indicators.
Definitions and methodologies on, for example, forest degradation should be applicable to different biomes and sensitive to national circumstances.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Brazil and give the flow to the representative of India, followed by Togo and Kenya.
India, you have to follow.
Thank you Chair.
India welcomes the release of the Global Forest Goals Report, which provides an important assessment of global progress towards the implementation of the UNSPF.
We appreciate the efforts of the advisory group on reporting, the collaborative partnership and Forest and AU in strengthening the reporting framework and supporting member states through capacity building initiatives.
India recognizes voluntary national reporting as an important mechanism for assessing progress, sharing experiences, and strengthening implementation of the global Forest goals.
We welcome the conduct of the 2024, 2026 reporting cycle and the introduction of the online reporting platform, which has contributed to improving accessibility and transparency in the reports in the reporting process.
We are pleased to contribute as a member of the advisory group on reporting.
India believes that effective monitoring and reporting systems must remain practical, inclusive, and responsive to national capabilities and circumstances.
While appreciating the progress made, we note the challenges identified in the Secretary's report, particularly regarding data collection on socioeconomic indicators, forest finance, gender dimensions, and interagency coordination.
Many developing countries continue to face a technical and institutional constraints in preparing comprehensive reports.
In this context, India supports enhanced capacity building efforts, including regional workshops, online training modules, tutorial materials in multiple languages, and technical assistance for developing countries.
We further underline the need to reduce duplication and reporting burdens across multiple forest related and biodiversity related processes.
Thank you, Sir.
I thank the representative of India and give the floor to the representative of Togo, followed by Kenya and representative of Food and Agriculture Organization F.
Togo, you have the floor.
President.
Thank you, Chair.
To welcomes the progress we have seen in the voluntary National Report System 2024, 2026.
We note with satisfaction the putting together of the online platform which facilitated the transmission of information and the workshops on capacity building, which were organized by the Secretary at NFIO.
However, as stated in the report, obtaining certain data, in particular socioeconomic data, financial data, and gender related data remains difficult.
We therefore call for a greater strengthening of national capacity and doing that through regional workshops, multilingual tools, and dedicated financial support.
We also support the improvement of online platform with analytical and collaborative functions and organizing force reports With together with other international frameworks, we undertake to actively participate in the last cycle between now and 2030 and we invite the forum to continue its technical accompanying work to make sure that our national voluntary contributions reflect what we're doing nationally.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Togo and give the floor to the representative of the Keno, followed by FAO.
Keno, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, Kenya believes in information sharing and experiential learning, and we were very happy to host the forum in Nairobi on online reporting tools.
The country remains committed to strengthening and enhancing monitoring, assessment, and reporting mechanisms in the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017 30, as well as the voluntary National reporting.
Kenya has successfully reported faithfully within the three reporting cycles.
Mr.
Chair Kenya has deployed technology and innovation to enhance forestry monitoring, which includes online reporting systems for seedling production and tree growing activities through development of a mobile application popularly known as as Amite, as well as forest alert tools that enable near real time monitoring of forest cover changes through satellite imageries.
The country has a comprehensive forest information system able to consolidate information and provide timely data on forest and tree growing resources towards reporting on the GFGs and global core assets.
Finally, Kenya has further established a tree growing Secretariat to coordinate implementation and reporting under the National Tree growing and Landscape Restoration program whose main aim is to achieve 30% recover target by the year 2032.
I thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of the Kenya and give the floor to the representative of FAO.
FAO, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
First, I would like to express our thanks to the Secretariat for the update on progress regarding forest monitoring assessment and reporting and for good collaboration.
Timely and reliable information on indicators related to the six GFGs and the 27 targets is crucial for tracking progress and guiding actions.
We also commend the Secretariat's recent efforts to enhance synergies with other reporting processes.
The synchronization of the GFGs reporting process with FAR Global Forest Resources Assessment FR cycle, utilizing quantitative data from those assessments, and the introduction of the new online reporting platforms are significant accomplishments.
These initiatives along with our joint capacity development events help avoiding duplications in data collection, promote the sharing of harmonized information across reporting processes, and enable more efficient use of resources.
There are also some challenges identified.
While voluntary national reports provide valuable information, broader reporting coverage would support more robust conclusions and progress.
Member states also reported that necessary data are often difficult to access as they are managed by various agencies and departments.
There is also a need to strengthen collaboration and communication with national focal points and provide targeted capacity development.
These challenges are common to many international reporting processes, including FAS FR.
The FRA process relies on officially nominated national correspondent from 200 countries and territories.
I just wanted to mention at the end as we don't have more time, that over the past two years, we have conducted certain remote sensing survey trainings, and we have trained over 800 national experts, which is crucial, including the institutional memory and continuity with both national and international institutions to continue successful I thank the representative of FAO.
I see no further requests for the floor.
We have just heard the last statement in the discussion under this item.
I now invite the forum to begin its consideration of agenda item four, entitled Initial Discussions on the final Review of Effectiveness of International arrangement on forests in achieving its objective.
I will now open the floor for a general discussion on agenda item four.
Therefore, interested delegations should press the microphone button to request the floor.
I would like to remind that the time limits are 3 minutes per delegation speaking on behalf of the group and 2 minutes per delegations speaking individually.
Our first speaker of this item is Cyrus speaking on behalf of European Union, followed by Guyana and Republic of Korea.
Cyprus, we have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I am honored to speak on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states.
We take note of the Secretariat information paper on policy discussions and welcome the start of strategic thinking about the future of the UNFF as a whole, including the IAF, USPF, CPF, and GFN.
We support the Secretariat suggested approach and stress that the final review of the IAF should be based on thorough evaluation of its effectiveness to foster reaching the global forest goals.
The omnibus resolution should request for a timely, transparent, inclusive, and evidence based preparatory process for allowing all members adequate time and information to engage meaningfully in brainstorming and develop a roadmap of activities.
The process should benefit from the active engagement of all relevant actors, including member states, CPF member organizations, regional bodies, major groups, and other stakeholders.
The review of the IAF should pay particular attention to the provisions for monitoring and reporting, including coherence and synergies with forest relevant reporting requirements and other international organizations and processes.
The preparatory work for the review should also take into account major agreements and relevant decisions under the three Rio Conventions.
Regarding cooperation with member states, we recall that national focal points play an important role in communicating and liaising on matters relating to the Secretariat's activities as well as on the challenges, accomplishments, and changes affecting the implementation of the UNSPF.
For this reason, we encourage the Secretariat to continue improving and regularly sharing information, specifically on the IAF review with the permanent representations in New York through existing communication channels.
Bearing in mind that financing gaps still persist, we acknowledge the work done and encourage a continued focus on implementing cost efficient working modalities.
To conclude, we underline that the outcomes of the midterm review should be carefully taken into account in the works that will fit the final review.
Thank you for your attention.
I thank Representative of Cyprus, spoke on behalf of European Union.
Now, I give the floor to the representative of Guyana, followed by Republic of Korea and United Kingdom.
Guyana, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Go welcomes the initiation of discussions on the final review of the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests.
Over the years, the IAF has played an important role in advancing global dialogue, strengthen policy coherence, promoting voluntary cooperation on sustainable forest management.
At the same time, the evolution of the global context requires a more responsive and implementation oriented arrangement that better supports action on the ground, enhance access to financing for forest countries, strengthen partnerships across multilateral, regional, and private sector stakeholders, and delivers measurable progress towards global forest goals.
Chair again emphasizes that the effectiveness of the IAF should be assessed not only in terms of process and dialogue, but also through its tangible impacts on forests, local communities, livelihoods, and sustainable development outcomes.
In this regard, the review process should also consider how the IAF can better support innovative financing approaches, including results based payments, ecosystem service valuation, and jurisdictional approaches that incentivizes forest conservation and sustainable forest management.
Again, therefore looks forward to constructive and inclusive discussions as this process advance.
Thank you.
I thank the Representative of Guyana and give the floor to the Representative of Republic of Korea, followed by United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Republic of Korea, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The Republic of Korea endorses the Forum's proposal to develop a roadmap for the preparation of the final review of the IAF in 2030.
We support that the preparation shall proceed through regular brainstorming sessions with member states and partners during the period between the 21st and 23rd sessions of the UNFF under the guidance of the Bureau and with the support of the Secretariat.
Today, the world is facing an increasingly intensified state of police crisis in which climate change, supply chain restructuring, technological advancement, and economic and political instability interact with and reinforce one another.
The forest sector is linked to carbon sinks, ecosystem services, and local economies making it vulnerable to cascading impacts, while also serving as a key instrument to address them.
Therefore, resilient, adaptive, and proactive response systems are needed.
In this context, reviewing the achievements of the IAF over the past three decades and preparing for the post 2030 era is an important task for all of us.
We also believe that the next VNR and the GFG report should be prepared with stronger linkages to the final review of the IAF.
In particular, whether the IAF has contributed to ensuring that member states fulfill their responsibilities will, in our view, be a core element in assessing the effectiveness of the IAF.
The Republic of Korea will continue to contribute to this evaluation process and discussions on preparing for the future of the IAF.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Republic of Korea and give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom, followed by Malaysia and Vietnam.
United Kingdom, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
The UK welcomes the opportunity to begin discussions on the final review of the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests.
Overall, the midterm review confirmed that the IAF remains relevant and well structured.
It benefits from sound policy frameworks, a functioning collaborative partnership on forests, and incremental improvements in reporting data and learning.
These are important achievements.
At the same time, the review also highlighted persistent challenges in delivering the global forest goals.
Forests often lack visibility beyond UNFF despite their clear relevance to the 2030 agenda, the Rio conventions, and discussions at the high level political forum.
In this context, the UK sees the priority for the final review, not as the creation of new mandates, structures, or processes, but as sharpening focus on delivery in a resource constrained environment.
As for the review process itself, we should make use of planned UNF sessions and hybrid modalities to maximize participation.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the UK and give the floor to the representative of Malaysia, followed by Vietnam and Australia.
Malaysia, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair and Distinguished delegates.
Malaysia recognizes the important role of the UNF in advancing global forest governance and promoting SFM worldwide.
While UNFF continues to provide a valuable platform for dialogue and cooperations, Malaysia believes it may be timely to reflect on ways to further strengthen its effectiveness and overall impact.
In this regard, Malaysia is of the view that UNMF could at an appropriate stage, consider exploring a more structured and enhanced framework for corporations drawing license from other multilateral environmental processes, such as the CBD and the UNFCC.
This discussion could be further deliberated during the current and future policy sessions, including in 2028, with a view to strengthening implementations, accountability, and consistency in advancing sustainable forest management globally.
To further strengthen the IAL, Malaysia wishes to highlight several key areas such as this governance mechanism could be enhanced through clearer rules, greater transparency, and improved implementation.
Second, broader participation from NGOs, indigenous peoples and local communities as well as the private sector should continue to be encouraged.
Malaysia also emphasize the importance of strengthening linkages between the IAF and global framework, such as the SDG and the Paris Agreement, while enhancing capacity building, technology transfer, and technical support for developing countries.
In addition, greater collaboration in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in forest conservation and management should continue to be promoted.
Malaysia believes that these efforts will further enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the IAF in supporting global.
I thank the representative of Malaysia and give the floor to the representative of Vietnam, followed by Australia and Jamaica.
Vietnam, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Vietnam appreciates the opportunity to share initial views on the final review of the effectiveness of the International arrangement on forests.
In our view, the arrangement has played an important role in promoting dialogue, enhancing international cooperation, and advancing implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forest and the Global Forest goals.
At the same time, challenges remain, particularly regarding adequate financing, access to technology and capacity building support for developing countries.
There is also a need to strengthen coordination and synergies among forest related international processes in order to enhance effectiveness and avoid duplication.
Vietnam believes that the final review should focus on practical ways to strengthen implementation support, improve coherence across relevant frameworks, and enhance the effectiveness of the forum in responding to emerging global challenges related to forests.
In this regard, Vietnam also underscores the importance of ensuring adequate and sustainable resources for the Secretariat of the forum.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the representative of Vietnam and giving the floor to the representative of Australia, followed by Jamaica and China.
Australia, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Australia thanks the Secretariat for the note on policy discussions on the implementation of the UN strategic plan for Forest 2017 to 2030 and welcomes the initial discussions on preparation for the final review of the international arrangement on forests.
Australia supports the proposal outlined in paragraph 53 E to invite the Bureau with support from the Secretariat to establish an intersectional process to develop a roadmap towards UNFF 23.
We move towards the 2030 final review, we see clear value in and recognize the need for early and structured preparation, including opportunities for virtual intersectional engagement to support broad and inclusive participation.
In this context, we encourage consideration of time zones to ensure that virtual intersectional processes are accessible across regions.
At the same time, Australia encourages a focused and streamlined approach to the review, drawing on lessons from the midterm review and ensuring that the scope and ambition of the review process are aligned with available resources.
We consider it important that preparations for the final review are undertaken in light of the broader environment facing the UN, including the UN 80 initiative and current liquidity constraints.
This provides an opportunity for the forum to begin strategic discussions on the long term direction, role, and sustainability of the IAF beyond 2030.
Australia looks forward to continuing to engage with members and partners as this work progresses.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Australia and giving the floor to the representative of Jamaica, followed by China and Philippines.
Jamaica, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Jamaica welcomes the initiation of discussions on the final review of the international arrangement on forests in 2030 and underscores the importance of a transparent, inclusive and evidence based preparatory process which takes into consideration the needs of the smallest and most vulnerable among us.
For Jamaica and other small island developing states, this review is particularly timely.
The increasing frequency of climate related events continues to impact our forest ecosystems.
Most recently, Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage to Jamaica's forests and critical watershed areas affecting water security, livelihoods, and overall resilience.
This underscores the effectiveness of the arrangement and This underscores that the effectiveness of the arrangements must be measured by its ability to support countries in building resilient forest landscapes.
Here, Jamaica highlights three key priorities for the review.
First, financing.
There's a need for improved access to adequate, predictable and flexible financing, including considerations of innovative mechanisms such as voluntary global forest fund carbon markets and nature based solutions.
Second, governance and institutional effectiveness.
The review should strengthen coordination and delivery across the forum in supporting mechanism and its supporting mechanisms and other multilateral arrangements to better respond to national needs.
Third, alignment with global frameworks.
Forests must remain central to achieving the 2030 agenda, the Paris Agreement, and the global biodiversity framework, particularly in advancing integrated solutions for climate, biodiversity, and land degradation.
Mr.
Chair, Jamaica supports the development of a clear roadmap towards 2030 that is inclusive, evidence based, and action oriented.
In closing, Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to actively engage in this process and to contribute to a strengthened and effective international arrangements on forests.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Jamaica.
I'm giving the floor to the representative of China, followed by Philippines and Brazil.
China, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
China appreciates the preparation made by the Secretariat to initiate the final review of the IAF.
This effort is a crucial step in reviewing the good practices and lessons learned in global forest governance and navigating future development.
We propose that the Secretariat provide more information regarding the review process, including the specific timeline, the composition of the expert team, the procedures for determining review indicators, the scope of the review and the funding arrangements, and consider to improve the transparency throughout the process.
We believe it is important to base on the experience from the midterm review and take into account the activities of the forum and joint initiatives by the CPF.
We propose consideration to minimize costs while ensuring the participation of various stakeholders.
Thank you, chair.
I thank the representative of China and give the floor to the representative of Philippines, followed by Brazil and India.
Philippines, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Under the discussion on the final review of the international arrangement on forest, the Philippines emphasizes the need for an inclusive and forward looking process that strengthen global forest governance even began 2030.
The Philippines remains committed to working with all partners to accelerate progress towards the global forest goals and to ensure that forests continue to deliver for people, planet, and prosperity.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman.
I thank the Representative of Philippines and give the floor to the representative of Brazil, followed by India and FAO.
Brazil, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Brazil welcomes the opportunity to begin discussions on the final review of the effectiveness of the international arrangement of forest to be concluded in 2030.
The review will take place at an important moment.
The international community is approaching the 2030 milestone of the UN SPF.
At the same time, the United Nations system is undergoing broader institutional discussions, including under the U 180 process.
In this context, Brazil believes that the review should help strengthen the role of UNFFF as a universal intergovernmental forum for all types of forests.
Brazil supports a cautious, transparent and inclusive preparatory process.
The forum should not prejudge the outcome of the final review at this early stage, nor should we reopen recent consensus reached during the midterm review.
The priority now should be to implement what has already been agreed and to identify based on evidence where improvements may be needed.
The final review will entail consideration of a full range of options for the future, it is especially relevant for developing countries that the process is guided by the will to have the IAF better support developing countries in implementing the UNSPF and achieving the global forest goals.
The review should examine how to improve access to finance, capacity building, technical assistance, technology transfer, and cooperation.
Brazil can support the development of a roadmap for interstational activities, analytical work and consultations, provided that such activities are transparent and inclusive.
We look forward to engaging constructively in this process.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the Brazil and give the floor to the representative of India, followed by FAO, India, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
India considers the 2030 final review as a significant opportunity to undertake a balanced evidence based assessment of the effectiveness of the international arrangement of forests in achieving its objectives.
The review should evaluate not only institutional performance, but also the practical impact of the arrangement in supporting countries in sustainable forest management, forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and livelihoods.
India agrees that the preparatory processes for the final review should be inclusive, transparent, participatory, and member state driven.
In view of the broad mandate and the strategic implications of the review, sufficient time and structured intersectional consultations will be essential.
We emphasize that the review process should take into account the evolving global policy landscapes, including the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the KMGBF, the Rio conventions, and the ongoing discussions under the UN framework with the convention on climate change.
Forests are central to addressing interconnected global challenges relating to climate change, bad has loss, land degradation, and water security.
Therefore, future arrangements must be must further strengthen coherence and synergy across these processes while avoiding duplication and additional reporting burdens on countries.
India also underlines the importance of strengthening the means of implementation under the IAF, especially with regard to finance, technology transfer, capacity building, and technical support for developing countries.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of India and give the floor to the representative of FAO.
FA, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the collaborative partnership on forests.
The CPF has a long standing dedication not only to adapting new and improved ways of collaboration and cooperation, but also to continuous improvement and adaptation.
For 25 years, the CPF has been an integral component of the international arrangement on forests and an important means to support the work of the forum.
Collectively and individually, the CPF and its members also contribute their expertise across many additional global, regional and national initiatives and platforms that are driving progress on global forest agenda.
The final review of the International rainbow Forest in 2030 is a unique opportunity to review its performance strengths, weaknesses and gaps, and its future beyond 2030.
The review is particularly timely in the context of constrained resources and increasing, increasing pressure to do more with less, requiring sharper prioritization, greater efficiency, and more streamlined engagement across processes to sustain effective support to countries.
Based on the guidance from the forum on the IAF final review and related preparatory work and from the governing bodies of CPF, the CPF stands ready to support the inclusive, evidence based and member states driven process.
Thank you very much.
I thank the representative of the FAO who spoke on behalf of CF.
Colleague, we have just heard the last statement and the general discussion under this item.
I would like to give the floor to the Director of the UNFF for further clarification and explanation.
Madam, you have the floor.
Thank you very much.
I'll be very brief, Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
I just want to clarify that to thank you really for your contribution to this item.
Just to clarify that we already have the framework and the element of the review in the resources in the resolutions 2015 slash 33 24 slash 15, and the paragraph 66-70 of the UNSPF Now, the evolving processes including the ongoing reforms at the UN need to be further elaborate and discussed in the preparatory process.
I can see that many elements also have been raised here.
I'd like to thank you very much for that.
Thank you.
I thank the Director of the UNF Secretariat for her clarification.
Now, I invite the forum to begin its consideration of agenda item five.
Agenda Item five entitled Trust Fund for the United Nations Forum on Forest.
First, I give the floor to miss Jerry Kariuki of the Secretariat UNF Secretariat to introduce the Secretariat note, ESC and 1820266.
Miss Kariuki, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Distinguished delegates, I have the honor to present the note by the Secretariat slash CN 18 slash 2026 slash six on the UN Trust Fund.
This note is prepared in accordance with the with the forum's request to provide regular updates on the financial status of the UN Air Trust Fund.
It provides an overview of the amounts contributed, the sources of these contributions, and the expenditures of the trust fund in 2025.
The note is submitted for information purposes, and as such, the figures contained have not been audited and represent an estimate as at the time of drafting of the note in February 2026.
This presentation outlines our fiscal reality for the year 2025.
We acknowledge the steadfast support of our donors.
In 2025, six member states, Australia, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and Spain, and one philanthropic organization, the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation, contributed to the UNFS trust fund a total of $557,154.
These funds are the primary mechanism for implementing the UNSPF and supporting the GFN.
The Secretariat gratefully acknowledges these contributions which remain vital for the core mandate implementation.
With regards to expenditures in 2025, nearly half of our expenditures, about 47% was dedicated to personnel costs, including staff posts, related expenses and consultant fees.
Operational expenses accounted for 30% of expenditures, covering essential services such as conference services, rental of premises, information technology, training, conference service costs, and banking fees, while capacity development accounted for 7% of expenditures.
On achievements and results, the Secretariat provided technical and substantive support to member states facilitating progress towards the global forest goals.
This included the successful delivery of capacity building activities and technical assistance to support countries in developing national forest financing strategies.
The Secretariat also continued leadership within the collaborative partnership on forests, resulting in improved policy coherence and joint initiatives on forest related issues, and the development of analytical products and communications materials to increase global awareness on the contributions of forests to the 2030 agenda.
However, maintaining this level of substantive output is becoming increasingly untenable under the current funding structure.
During 2025, we saw a 53% reduction on voluntary contributions to the trust fund.
Total voluntary contributions fell from 1.18 million in 2024 to 557,154 USD in 2025.
This downward trend, coupled with expanding mandate and stagnant regular budget allocations, has created a significant resource gap that compromises our ability to provide the level of support member states expect.
The revenue decline is compounded by a loss of capacity.
In 2025, the General Assembly approved the 2026 regular budget for the United Nations in line with the Secretary-General proposals on the UN 80 Reform Initiative.
For the entire Secretariat, this represents 15% reduction in financial resources and a nearly 19% cut in staffing costs with 2,900 positions abolished.
Consequently, for the UNFF Secretariat capacity has been reduced, resulting in the loss of two regular budget posts, one at the P four level and one at the G six level.
Furthermore, the trust fund depletion has reached the front lines of our work, limiting our ability to provide travel support or DSA to representatives from developing countries and countries with economies in transition, directly threatening the inclusive and geographically balanced participation that is essential for the forum's work.
Distinguished delegates to ensure the Secretariat can continue to meet the high expectations of this forum, we submit the following three proposals for your consideration.
You may wish to invite member states in a position to do so to consider shifting towards sustained multi year voluntary pledges.
This approach is vital to provide the financial predictability needed to manage a 53% reduction in contributions and navigate the current liquidity crisis.
You may also consider the findings and proposals contained in the information paper on the work loads, needs, and gaps of the foreign Secretariat.
It is critical that we address the appropriate resourcing of the Secretariat, including the restoration of essential capacity lost through the loss of the two posts as part of the final review of the IAF in 2013.
Finally, you may encourage the dedicated funding for travel of representatives from developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
Ensuring geographically balanced dialogue is a core priority yet it remains a significant challenge when the trust fund lacks the resources to provide basic travel support or DSA allowance.
Thank you for your attention.
Okay.
I thank the representative of the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests for introducing the report.
I now invite miss Juliet Bao Codon P, Director of the Secretariat of the UN Forum on Forest, to make a brief presentation on the impacts of the UNAT initiative on UNFF Secretariat, as well as the findings of the information note on the workload, needs and gaps of the UNFF Secretariat.
Madam Director, you have the floor.
Thank you, chair for giving me the floor.
The language delegates, my colleague Jerry just introduced the Secretariat notes on the forum threshold and provided a snapshot of the current situation of the thresh fold.
I wish to take this opportunity, however, to provide a bigger picture and explain the overall situation of the resources of the Secretariat, taking into account the recommendation of the information paper on the workload, gaps, and needs of the UNF Secretariat, as well as the impact of the ongoing UNA initiative on the UNFF Secretariat.
You may recall that as part of the outcome of the midterm review of the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests contained in paragraph two A of EcoS resolution 2024 slash 15, the Unit Secretariat was requested to submit an information paper containing information on its workload, needs, and gap in advancing the 20th session of the forum in 2025.
Forum was also invited to have a final consideration of this information paper at the UNFF 21 in 2026.
In addition, in accordance to paragraph three of this resolution, the council invited the General Assembly following the discussion of the UNFF 20 to consider appropriate resourcing of the foreign Secretariat to perform its responsibilities and mandates an efficient, effective, and sustainable manner.
This information paper was prepared by a consultant and presented during the last session of the forum in May 2025 and a proposal was included in the UNFF 20 chair summary and the chair invited the forum to continue its consideration of the information paper on the workload, gaps and needs of the UNFF Secretariat at its UNFF 20.
In this respect, the above mentioned information note is also included as a background document for the current session and is available on the UNFF 21 website.
In summary, the information note concluded that there is a huge gap between the responsibilities of the UNFF Secretariat and the resources available to it.
And on that basis, recommended that UNFF 20 adopt addition of five new regular budget posts to the Secretariat, one P three or one P four for communication and outreach activities, one P three for admin budget issue, and one P four or P five for capacity building activities, and one P four for the CPF secretary.
On the other hand, since UNFF 20 and as a result of the UN 80 initiative, the UNFF Secretariat lost two regular budget posts, as mentioned by my colleague, Jerry, a P four and G six post with further reduction in its regular budget resources.
The UN Ay initiative is ongoing and there are still risk of further reduction in the post and non post resources of the UNF Secretariat in next year's UN program and budget.
This significant reduction happened at the time that UNFF 21 is expected to consider appropriate resourcing of the foreign Secretariat at this section, considering the information paper.
Contrary to the recommendations in the information paper, the resources of the foreign Secretariat have decreased significantly and the Secretariat has lost three of its posts during the last two years, namely one P five, the inter regional advisor.
Work on the G twofen, one P four, and one GC post.
The reductions are happening when the forums mandates and work have expanded significantly.
This has resulted in increased reliance on the forum Secretariat on the voluntary contribution to the forum trust fund to maintain its core operations.
Under the current situation, it is likely that the General Assembly to consider favorably it's unlikely that the General Assembly to consider favorably any addition of regular budget posts and resources to the UNFS Secretariat during its upcoming session.
On the other hand, benefiting from other potential opportunities such as the proposed GTF and office in China is not yet possible as the respective consultation has not yet been concluded.
Considering the above and to allow smooth performance of the UNFF Secretariat until 2030 final review of the IAF, it is important that the outcome of the current policy session contains forums guidance that ensure regular and significant increase of the resources of forum trust fund to bridge the gaps between the resources and the responsibilities of the forum Secretariat.
Maintains the current resources of the UNFF Secretariat, consideration of the resource sufficiency of the UNFF Secretariat in the context of the final review of the international arrangement on forests.
I thank you for your attention.
I thank the Director of the Secretariat of UI Network Forum on Forest.
I will now open the floor for general discussion on agenda item five.
Interested delegations should press the microphone bottom to request the floor.
I would like to remind you that the time limits are 3 minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group and 2 minutes for individual delegations.
Our first speaker is Cyrus speaking on behalf of European Union, followed by Brazil and Jamaica.
Cyprus, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I am honored to speak on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states.
We appreciate the trust funds results and achievements as well as donors' involvement.
Moreover, we welcome the efforts made by the Secretariat on reporting on the use of the trust fund.
A permanent resource monitoring exercise, including monitoring the operating costs, is crucial to enhance transparency and efficiency in their use.
We support the maintenance of voluntary contributions to the UNF trust fund to support the activities and tasks of the forum based on an assessment of workload, needs, and gaps.
In light of the current challenging political and financial context, we encourage the Secretariat to further explore opportunities for broadening the donor base.
This could include engaging a wider range of contributors, such as philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the financial sustainability and impact of the forum's work.
We underlined the importance of monitoring the link between allocated resources and their impact to enhance resource allocation and guide prioritization.
Finally, we suggest that the various calls for encouraging members to contribute to the trans fund included in the proposals on the way forward, which are currently spread across several agenda items be brought together under this item.
This will help us structure our discussions in the coming days and support a more streamlined negotiation of the omnibus resolution.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Cyprus on behalf of European Union and give the floor to the representative of Brazil, followed by Jamaica, United Kingdom.
Brazil, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Brazil thanks the Secretariat for the notes on the new NF trust fund and expresses appreciation to the countries and organizations that have provided voluntary contributions.
The trust fund has played an essential role in supporting the work of the forum.
At the same time, Brazil believes that increasing reliance on voluntary contributions cannot be a sustainable solution for permanent mandates.
The mandates and expectations placed on the UNFF and the Secretariat have expanded over time.
Regular, predictable, and adequate human and financial resources are necessary for the Secretariat to effectively support member states, the implementations of the USPF and the achievement of the GFGs.
This discussion is particularly important in the context of the United Nations liquidity crisis, austerity measures and broader institutional uncertainties related to the 180 process.
Efficiency gains should not weaken intergovernmentally agreed mandates.
They should not reduce the capacity of the UNFF to support developing countries, nor should they undermine the secretaria's technical and functional capacity.
Brazil believes that the messages emanating from UNF 21 should reinforce the central role of the UNFF as the only universal intergovernmental body dedicated to forests.
Its Secretariat must have the capacity to fulfill the mandates entrusted to it by member states.
We therefore support language recognizing the need for adequate resources for UNFF Secretariat.
We also support continued voluntary contribution for countries in a position to do so while recognizing that just contributions should complement and not replace a stable resource base.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Brazil and give the floor to the representative of Jamaica, followed by the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Jamaica, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Jamaica uses this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for its report summarizing the activities of the trust fund in 2025 and commends it for its stewardship of the fund in the execution of the forum's mandate, sessions, and intersectional activities.
The work of the forum and its Secretariat, especially in light of the very challenging environment in which it works.
We note that the implementation of the forum's core activities would not have been possible without the contributions to the fund over the period, and as such, we acknowledge and commend the six contributing countries and partners for their generous contributions.
The support from the fund in the implementation of activities among which is a support provided to the activities related to the global forest financing facilitation network and its clearinghouse mechanism.
The achievements and results attributed to the contributions made to the support of various interventions made through the fund and their alignment to other activities of the UN strategic plan for forests 2017 to 2013.
Jamaica is grateful for the support received during 2025 related to monitoring assessment and voluntary national reporting, the support of the fund and the capacity building sessions facilitated or submission in July 2025 of one of the 23 voluntary national reports received.
We note that the forums mandate and work program have expanded significantly without increases in the regular budget allocations, resulting in significant resource gaps.
Gaps which are compounding due to the current liquidity crisis.
Consequently, Jamaica supports the call for sustained multi year voluntary contributions to the trust fund and the proposal for dedicated funding for the travel of representatives from developing countries to maintain geographically balanced participation in the forum's work.
A sustained and adequately resourced Secretariat is critical to support and promote the implementation of the UN strategic plan forests and the other achievements of the global forest goals and associated targets.
We therefore support the proposals made by the Secretariat and encourage continued commitment and contributions to I thank the representative of Jamaica I'm giving the floor to the representative of United Kingdom, followed by South Africa and China.
You have the floor.
Thank you Chair.
The UK acknowledges the challenging resource outlook for UNFF in the context of UN 80 and all of the efforts being made by the Secretariat to continue to deliver its mandate.
We particularly welcome contributions from all of those who have made them to the trust fund.
However, the Secretariat paper highlights a structural challenge posed by dependence on voluntary contributions to finance core activities, including staffing.
This inevitably raises risks for delivery and long term effectiveness.
We as UNFF members have an important role to play, both in terms of shaping priorities for the Secretariat and not overburdening them with additional tasks.
We should avoid agreeing new commitments including in the omnibus resolution.
The UK encourages an open and honest discussion on prioritization to ensure that the available resources of which staff time is the most valuable and the most important are focused on the most critical tasks to delivering the global forest goals.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of the United Kingdom and give the floor to the Representative of South Africa, followed by China and Argentine.
South Africa, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
South Africa welcomes the update by the UNFS Secretariat summarizing activities of the trust fund.
South Africa noted with concern the decline by almost 53% in voluntary contributions in 2025.
In this regard, South Africa would like to show our sincere appreciation of the voluntary contribution made by donors, particularly those listed in the report, specifically Australia, Canada, Germany, Republic of Korea, Spain, and Switzerland.
We would therefore like to extend our appreciation for their contribution and encourage other members of the forum in a position to do so to assist in reversing the decline through amongst others, the multi year contribution as proposed in the Secretariat note.
The contributions have assisted greatly in the work of the forum, noting that each session of the forum has added additional responsibilities to the UNF Secretariat without con combinant increase in regular budget.
This includes, but is not limited to the work of the GAF and to support countries in mobilizing financial resources for SFM as mandated by the ECOSOC resolution.
Mr.
Chairman, South Africa would like to, as we move forward to the final review of the IAF, remind all that the forum remains a high level in national policy forum with universal membership In this regard, the modalities for the upcoming meetings should ensure that we leave no one behind and strive to ensure maximum participation of all members of the forum.
Generous contribution made.
I thank the representative of South Africa and give the floor to the representative of China, followed by Argentina and Republic of Korea.
China, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
China wishes to thank the Secretariat in briefing the situation of the trust fund.
China is honored to have been a continuous contributor to the UNFF Secretariat and its trust fund for the past years.
We believe the strengthening of the Secretariat and the trust fund is a vital importance, considering the UNFF as the only policy forum dedicated specifically to forests with universal membership.
With that, China is concerned with the reduction of the available resources of the trust fund in that this compromises the universal membership of the UNFF, one of the very characteristics of the forum and the participation of delegates from developing countries.
China acknowledges the financial and staff challenges faced by the Secretariat, especially during the current liquidities crisis.
Propose the Secretariat to further streamline its priorities while considering approaches to request more regular budget rather than voluntary contribution and evaluate the fields where it can leverage resources from member states and other forest related organizations, including regional and sub regional organizations to meet these challenges.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the representative of China and give the floor to the representative of Argentina, followed by Republic of Korea and women's Major Group.
Argentina, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
The delegation of Argentina underscores that the document indicates that whilst mandates and the program of work at the forum have been extended considerably, the budgetary allocations from the regular budget have not increased proportionally.
Moreover, we note that within the framework of the UNAT initiatives, reductions have been seen both in the budget and the posts available.
That has increased the Secretariat dependency on voluntary contributions to the trust fund.
As regards the UN 80 initiative, Argentina is of the view that the initiative stands as a valuable opportunity to evaluate the overall functioning of the United Nations and to pinpoint convergences, which will allow us to increase effectiveness and efficiency of the system.
Against this backdrop, Argentina believes that the process must also optimize mandate delivery, that is delivery of mandates entrusted by member states.
With that in mind, we support all initiatives which could contribute to efficiency across the allocation and use of budgetary resources with a view to ensuring the fulfillment of the organization's purposes.
We should underscore that Argentina actively participates in all initiatives and bodies thereto that include member states, particularly those in New York.
In line with the aforementioned, we suggest that within the framework, efforts be made to champion realistic planning when it comes to the use of available resources.
And we should undertake a prioritization within the program of work and related activities.
When we consider mandates and activities, we suggest that an assessment be made of budgetary and program implications.
Thank you.
I thank the Representative of Argentina and give the floor to the representative of Republic of Korea, followed by women's Major G.
Korea, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
The Republic of Korea wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the UNF Secretariat for transparently sharing the states of income expenditures and major achievements of the trust fund.
We fully recognize the critical importance of the trust fund in complementing the regular budget and supporting a wide range of essential UNFF activities.
Republic of Korea has been a consistent contributor to the trust fund since the early stages of UNFFFs establishment.
In 2026, as a testament to our ongoing commitment, we have more than doubled the scale of our previous contributions.
Moving forward, we hope that the Secretariat will continue to utilize the trust fund effectively and strategically to support member states in their implementation of sustainable forest management.
We look forward to these resources further enhancing the international impact and leadership of the UNFF.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Republic of Korea and give the floor to the representative Men's Major Coop.
Women's Major Coup, you have the floor.
President.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Distinguished delegates.
We would like to thank the Secretariat for the updating of the trust fund.
I speak on behalf of the women's major group who is involved in the coordination mechanism for major groups on forest.
We underscore the role we play in the implementation of the strategic plan of the United Nations on Forest and the implementation of the global forest goals.
We want to make sure that the forum is an inclusive body for forestry policy, but our participation is severely impacted by the funding of the trust fund.
You can see the absence of many colleagues of ours today, so we call on member states to recognize an indispensable role of participation of major groups and to contribute generously.
To the trust fund.
Your support is essential to guarantee that we do participate in the implementation of our work plan and the mandate that you have given to us.
We express our gratitude to those member states who showed their commitment by contributing and we thank the governments of Germany and Canada in particular who placed funds for the major group participation.
We call on other member states to join in If we participate, you are making sure that the process is inclusive and amplifies the voice of civil society, indigenous people, women, young people, farmers, small business owners, scientific community, NGOs, et cetera Our contributions to make sure that the forests are managed sustainably and that we have inclusive policies within the forum.
I thank you.
I thank the women's Major group.
Women's Major Group was our last speakers in general discussion on this item.
Colleague, I thank you all for all your active participation and constructive input that you proposed.
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.
The forum will reconvene in this room to hold the informal consultations on draft obdbus resolutions.
Colleagues, the meeting is adjourned.