Regional Orgnizations

Why regions matter

By facilitating cooperation across countries that share ecosystems, markets, or policy challenges, regional organisations play a unique role in linking global forest governance to practical action on the ground. They ensure that policies are adapted to local realities, foster peer learning among countries, and help mobilise resources and partnerships to advance sustainable forest management.

Role of regions in the international arrangement on forests

From the very beginning, the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF) recognised the importance of regional and subregional partners. The IAF was designed to be open and participatory, with relevant international and regional organisations, institutions and processes contributing to dialogue and cooperation (ECOSOC resolution 2000/35, p.66). This principle has guided the Forum’s work, ensuring that regional perspectives enrich global forest policy and strengthen implementation.

Regional contributions to the UNFF process

Regional and subregional organisations provide a vital bridge between international commitments and national action. They contribute expertise, promote collaboration across borders, and support the implementation of agreed policies and instruments, such as the UN Forest Instrument. The Forum has repeatedly invited regional partners to participate in its work, including through the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, expert groups, and country-led initiatives.

Mandates and commitments

Successive resolutions have underlined the role of regions in advancing sustainable forest management and the Global Forest Goals:

• The IAF beyond 2015 explicitly included international, regional and subregional organisations and processes as partners.
• Member States were urged to strengthen cooperation and partnerships at the regional level to achieve the objectives of the Forest Instrument.
• The General Assembly requested the UNFF Secretariat to work with regional partners in celebrating the International Day of Forests.
• The UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 emphasised that regional and subregional organisations provide a “crucial bridge between international policies and national actions” and are “important partners in efforts to implement the strategic plan and achieve its global forest goals and targets”.