2 June 2015: The Government of South Africa and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) have officially launched the XIV World Forestry Congress, the first to be held in Africa. Scheduled for 7-11 September 2015, the Congress will focus on the role of forests in a sustainable future.

The Congress will seek to put people at the center of discussions on forests and will feature events such as the launch of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015, a high level dialogue on the global forest agenda and a youth event on forests for the future. Sub-themes for the Congress include: forests for socioeconomic development and food security; building resilience with forests; integrating forests and other land uses; encouraging product innovation and sustainable trade; monitoring forests for better decision-making; and improving governance by building capacity. In addition to the Congress proceedings, winners of the Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award and the Forests and People photo contest will be honored.

As expressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of South Africa, Senzeni Zokwana, the importance of forests in sustainable development is becoming increasing clear in light of climate change. This view was echoed by Tiina Vahanen, Associate Secretary-General of the Congress who highlighted investments in forests as investments in people. The World Forestry Congress has been held every six years since 1926. [FAO Press Release] [XIV World Forestry Congress]