NEWS – 19^th session of United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) concludes in New York, United States

UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS (UNFF)

Establishment and Purpose

• Established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Aims to promote management, conservation, and sustainable development of all forest types.

Structure and Membership

• Annual meetings at UN Headquarters in New York.
• Universal membership including all UN Member States and specialized agencies.
• India is a founding member.

UNFF19 SESSION AND OBJECTIVES

• Delegates at the 19th Session engaged in informal negotiations on the High-Level Declaration.
• Declaration focuses on a political commitment to forest protection and effective implementation of UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF).

UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030

• Global framework for sustainable forest management and halting deforestation.
• Framework aligns with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
• Serves as a reference for UN system’s forest-related work and promotes collaboration among UN bodies and partners.

Outcomes and Future Directions

• UNFF19 aims for agreement on actions to implement UNSPF and address forest-related challenges.
• Continues to foster collaboration and coherence in global forest management efforts.