The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)
The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a global policy platform established in 2000 by ECOSOC to promote the sustainable management and conservation of all forest types. It includes all 193 UN Member States and aims to reverse forest loss, enhance forest-based benefits, and strengthen governance, financing, and international cooperation. Its work is guided by the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, which outlines six Global Forest Goals and 26 targets aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
The UNFF works through national voluntary reporting, partnerships with organizations like FAO and UNEP, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including governments, indigenous groups, NGOs, and the private sector. Its Collaborative Partnership on Forests helps coordinate action among 16 major forest-related bodies.
Forests, which cover about a third of Earth’s land and support over 1.6 billion people, are critical for biodiversity, climate stability, and sustainable development. However, deforestation, climate change, and weak governance remain major threats. While the UNFF lacks enforcement power, it plays a crucial role in setting global norms, tracking progress, and driving collaboration to protect the world’s forests and ensure their contributions to global environmental and development goals.