News and Events
Since the first observance of the International Day of Forests in 2013, the Forum secretariat has been facilitating the preparation of messages from the Secretary-General on the occasion of the Day, as well as United Nations press releases on the Day.
Join the International Day of Forests celebration!
A celebration of the International Day of Forests event will take place on Thursday 21 March, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UNHQ. The event programme is available here It will be in-person and webcast live on UN Web TV Featured speakers in the event include H.E. Ambassador ZĂ©phyrin […]
Read more [..]
DESA Voice: How the planet’s “lungs” contribute to our health and well-being
Forests make our lives better in countless ways. They sustain us – from clean air and water, to food and fuel, to medicines and income. Being near trees helps boost our immune systems, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood. When forests are healthy and well-managed they safeguard the health of our planet, by […]
Read more [..]
Secretary-General Stresses Need for Recommitment to Healthy Forests for Healthier Livelihoods
Following is UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres’ message for the International Day of Forests, observed on 21 March: Healthy forests are essential for people and the planet. They act as natural filters, providing clean air and water, and they are havens of biological diversity. They help to regulate our climate by influencing rainfall patterns, cooling urban […]
Read more [..]
Healthy forests offer a path to a better climate and greener future for all
Juliette Biao, Director, UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, UN DESA The world we live in is beset with crises of epic proportions – from the global pandemic that has upended life as we knew it, to the looming threats of irreversible climate change and biodiversity extinction, coupled with rising pollution and unsustainable consumption and production. […]
Read more [..]
DESA Voice: Trees for life – an inspiration to live more sustainably
“Regardless of where we live, the world’s forests sustain us all,” says Yan Lang, Programme Management Officer, in UN DESA’s Forum on Forests Secretariat, as we catch up ahead of the International Day of Forests on 21 March. Ms. Lang describes the current state of our forests and what actions we can take to protect […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2021: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message
Humanity’s well-being is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Forests play a crucial role. Forests filter the air we breathe and the water we drink. They regulate our climate, absorbing one third of the global greenhouse gases emitted each year. Forests provide habitat to 80 per cent of all known terrestrial species, many […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2021: Forest restoration provides a path to pandemic recovery, greener future (UN News)
Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic should lead to stronger action to safeguard the world’s forests, a senior UN official said on Friday, highlighting how these natural resources have helped to protect health and well-being during the global crisis. Liu Zhenmin, head of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), issued the call during […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2021: Four things you need to know about forests and health
Forests are good for our physical and mental wellbeing. Spending time around trees helps boost our immune system, lowers blood pressure and promotes relaxation. From cleaner air to providing natural cooling and the freshwater we drink, forests support our health in ways that may not be visible. 1. Forests provide us medicines Many of the […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2020: UN Secretary-General’s message
Forests cover some 30 per cent of our planet’s land area and are home to 80 per cent of all terrestrial species. The ecosystem services they provide to humanity range from purifying air and water to producing foods, medicines and wood and paper products. Forests sustain essential watersheds and influence the global climate and rainfall […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2020: ECOSOC President’s message
Forests and their sustainable management have long been a priority for the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Twenty years ago, the Council established the UN Forum on Forests as a global intergovernmental policy body to deliberate on all aspects of forests and trees. The Forum serves as the voice of the international […]
Read more [..]
Celebrating International Day of Forests
Events organized to celebrate the International Day of Forests:
IDF 2017: US Forest Service blog post highlights Partnerships in Tajikistan
March 21 is the United Nations’ fifth annual International Day of Forests (link is external), and the U.S. Forest Service pauses to celebrate the importance and diversity of the world’s forests. Every year, the Forest Service commemorates this important day by celebrating collaborations with international partners to protect the health of forest ecosystems worldwide. This […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2016 Country Report: Ethiopia
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Ethiopia celebrated the 2016 International Day of Forests on 21 March 2016 at an event held at the Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa. Key stakeholders working in the forest sector in Ethiopia and staff of the Ministry participated in the celebration. A paper entitled “The National Context […]
Read more [..]
IDF 2016 Country Report: Japan
“The Green Earth Festival for the International Day of Forests 2016” was held in Metropolitan Tokyo Bay Area on March 26th 2016 under the auspices of the Organizing Committee comprised of 4 non-governmental organizations, namely, National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization, OISCA Japan, the Forest Culture Association and NPO Forests and Environment Network Association as well […]
Read more [..]