Video Message
Distinguished guests,
I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you at this special event on the International Day of Forests.
The theme of the 2024 International Day, “Forests and Innovation”, is particularly relevant. We need transformational solutions to address the development challenges we face today. Whether through advances in science and technology or reforms in financing and the way we value economies.
The UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 represents a vision for a world in which all types of forests and trees are sustainably managed, contribute to sustainable development and provide economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits for present and future generations.
The only way to realize this vision is to foster innovation. We urgently need innovation that adapts new technologies and approaches to national and local contexts, while integrating and complementing traditional and Indigenous knowledge.
In recent decades, we have seen how innovative use of science and technology such as drone technology and AI has supported efforts to sustainably manage forests. From mapping and monitoring changes in forest cover, to tree planting, measuring carbon, and early wildfire detection, innovation can improve our responses in emergency situations, and build our resilience to climate change.
Forests are one of the Earth’s most valuable ecosystems. They give us clean air, fresh water, and productive soils while providing a safety net for communities living in extreme poverty. Forests and trees are a nature-based solution for combatting climate change. They influence rainfall patterns and cool urban areas and absorb some one-third of annual greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore undeniable that sustainable management of the world’s forests is vital for the 2030 Agenda, especially SDG 15.
Regrettably, it is now clear that forests will not be able to continue to sustain us in the future, if we don’t take better care of them today. Through the Strategic Plan and the Global Forest Goals, the forest community sounded the alarm to reverse forest loss, increase forest area, and eradicate extreme poverty for forest-dependent people.
There are only six years left to 2030. The clock is ticking.
To protect this finite resource, we must tap into the limitless resource we do have access to – the human capacity for finding innovative and creative solutions, especially in times of adversity.
I hope that the experiences we share today, inspire more creative solutions for forests and people. It is only by working together that we can overcome challenges and ensure that no one is left behind on this journey to a greener, brighter future for all.
Thank you.