The theme of UNFF 9 is "Forests for people, livelihoods and poverty eradication;" high-level roundtables will address: forests for people; finance for forest-dependent communities; forests +: a cross-sectoral and cross-institutional approach; and forests and green economies.
24 January 2011: The ninth session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF 9) opened on 24 January 2011, at UN headquarters in New York, US, and will run until 4 February.
The theme of the ninth session is “Forests for people, livelihoods and poverty eradication.” The session will include sharing of regional perspectives, approaches and experiences. Taking place during the International Year of Forests 2011, UNFF 9 will include a high-level ministerial segment, to be held from 2-3 February 2011, as well as four high-level roundtables addressing: forests for people; finance for forest-dependent communities; forests +: a cross-sectoral and cross-institutional approach; and forests and green economies.
On the opening day, the Forum addressed organizational matters, discussed means of implementation, and held a panel discussion on food, energy and economic challenges and opportunities, with a special focus on women and youth. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, made a statement linking forest management to a green economy. [Summary of Opening Session] [IISD RS Coverage of UNFF 9]