The 15th World Forestry Congress was held at COEX in Seoul from May 2 through May 6. An estimated 10,000 people from 160 countries, international organizations, civic bodies, academic circles, and companies participated in the congress.
The Congress was held under the theme “Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests.”
It started with an opening ceremony on May 2 in which Minister Choi Byeong-am of the Korea Forest Service (KFS) delivered a welcoming speech, followed by a video opening speech by QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan, a newly designated FAO goodwill ambassador, and International Forestry Students’ Association President Magdalena Jovanovic also gave a speech.
The World Forestry Congress, taking place every six years, is the largest international convention in the forestry sector.
The 14th World Forestry Congress was held in South Africa in 2015, attracting some 4,000 people. Participants of the upcoming congress are expected to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss ways of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Korea was selected as the host of the 15th World Forestry Congress thanks largely to its success story in reforestation and its continued commitment to promoting international cooperation in the forestry sector.
It was the first time the Congress convened in the Asia-Pacific region since it was held in Indonesia 43 years ago.
The World Forestry Congress is the most influential conference in forestry, serving as the global platform for members of the international community to come together and issue recommendations and declarations on major forest issues.
The 15th World Forestry Congress will set the stage for a timely discussion of how forests can help address and adapt to climate change, combat desertification, preserve biodiversity, and resolve other global environmental issues.
At the same time, the coming global gathering provided a great opportunity to build cross-border cooperation and partnerships in forestry.
Korea’s economic development model and success story in reforestation offered valuable lessons to those countries now in similar circumstances to what our country has gone through in the past.
Minister Choi Byeong-Am of the Korea Forest Service (KFS) said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, it is necessary, indeed, to discuss forests in relation to what role they can play in creating a green, healthy future.
The Republic of Korea cordially invites you to have productive discussions at the Congress about the role of the forest sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in implementing international conventions on forestry and the environment.”
KFS and the Food Agricultural Organization of the United Nations announced the current status of global forestry. A high-level dialogue was held between 11 a.m. and noon following the opening ceremony.
The Plenary Session 1 took place from 2 p.m. under the topic “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration - 8 More Years to Heal the Planet.”
The Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Wood, a special event of the 15th World Forestry Congress was held on May 3. Ministers and vice ministers from six countries, including Korea, Japan, Austria and Gabon, participated in the forum with about spectators on hand.
The participating representatives announced the “Ministerial Call on Sustainable Wood,” containing their determination on expanding sustainable wood-based paths.
The declaration stressed the significance of using sustainable woods based on sustainable forest management and the expanding of wood-based paths by promoting policy and technology discussions among nations.
Minister Choi Byeong-am of the Korea Forest Service wrapped up the forum by delivering a closing speech and announcing the declaration.
The Plenary Session 2 took place under the topic “Forests for a Healthier, Prosperous and Peaceful World.”
The Plenary Session 3 on Day 3 was held on May 4 under the topic “Wood, the Most Ancient Raw Material Taking Us to the Future.” A special event on Day 4 took place on May 5.
The topic was “The Future is Now: Investing in Young Forestry Professionals and Career Development.”
The Plenary Session 4 on Day 5 was held on May 6 under the topic “Sustainable Pathways for Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future.”
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