The UN has launched its latest global assessment of progress towards the six Global Forest Goals and 26 targets of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030. The report underscores the critical role forests play in supporting climate stability, biodiversity, livelihoods, and the SDGs. It emphasizes the need to scale up action to halt deforestation, restore degraded lands, and advance sustainable forest management (SFM).
The UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 is a global policy framework to guide the sustainable management of all types of forests and trees outside forests and to strengthen their contribution to sustainable development. The six Global Forest Goals are:
- Reverse forest cover loss;
- Improve forest benefits and livelihoods;
- Protect forests and use sustainable forest products;
- Mobilize resources;
- Promote inclusive forest governance; and
- Cooperate and work across sectors.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 draws on voluntary national reports and the latest forest-related global data to identify gaps in finance, governance, and data and formulate policy recommendations to accelerate action between now and 2030.
According to the findings, seven targets are broadly met, 17 are partially achieved, and two – increasing forest area by 3% worldwide (target 1.1) and eradicating extreme poverty for all forest-dependent people (target 2.1) – are off track. While most targets show progress, the report calls for stronger efforts to meet the Global Forest Goals by 2030.
The report highlights country experiences showing that progress is possible through innovation, investment, and cooperation. Positive developments span areas such as protected forests, SFM, forest-related data, and international cooperation. Amid persistent challenges such as continuing forest loss, forest degradation, climate-related pressures, and financing gaps, the report identifies priority areas for accelerated action, including:
- Halting deforestation and reversing forest loss;
- Closing the financing gap for SFM;
- Strengthening forest governance and law enforcement;
- Expanding restoration and resilience-building efforts; and
- Enhancing cross-sectoral coordination and partnerships.
Developed by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the report was launched on 11 May 2026, on the opening day of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF). [Publication: Global Forest Goals Report 2026] [Publication Landing Page] [DESA Media Advisory]