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Outreach

International Day of Forests 2021

UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the 2021 International Day of Forests

The theme of the 2021 International Day of Forests celebration is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being”. This year’s event will raise awareness of how forests play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. Restoring the health of our forests and sustainably managing them is crucial to support livelihoods, mitigate climate change, safeguard biodiversity and reduce the risk of future pandemics. The 2021 theme is of particular relevance as we build the foundation for a sustainable recovery for all. It is also a contribution to the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in support of the Decade of Action for the SDGs and the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The 2021 event will feature:

  • H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the UN General Assembly
  • H.E. Munir Akram, President of the UN Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations
  • H.E. Kitty Sweeb, Chair of UNFF 16/17 and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Suriname to the United Nations
  • Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA
  • Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

  • Sonya Germann, State Forester, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, USA
  • Musonda Mumba, Chair, Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)
  • Rashneh Pardiwala, Director, Centre for Environmental Research & Education (CERE), India
  • JosĂ© Carlos da Fonseca, Executive Director, The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá)
  • Students from J. Sterling Morton High School District 201, Cicero, Illinois

  • A film screening of Reforestation Alert, a finalist from the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase

Global celebration

Every year, the Forum secretariat holds a special event to celebrate the International Day of Forests at United Nations Headquarters in New York which attract participation from representatives of Member States, regional organizations, members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and non-governmental organizations.