UNFF Secretariat

Servicing the Forum

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is supported by a dedicated Secretariat established by the Economic and Social Council in resolution 2000/35. The Secretariat services the Forum and its Bureau by preparing documentation, providing operational and logistical support for sessions and intersessional work, and facilitating Bureau functions. It also coordinates closely with the Commission on Sustainable Development and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF).

Trust Fund administration

The Secretariat administers the UNFF Trust Fund, ensuring its transparent management and reporting in line with guidance from the Forum. The Trust Fund is financed through both the regular budget of the United Nations and voluntary contributions from Member States and donors, which help sustain the Forum’s work and enable early and effective action.

Supporting developing countries

A core part of the Secretariat’s mandate is to assist developing countries, upon request, through technical and substantive support. This includes providing capacity-building opportunities, facilitating financing for sustainable forest management, and supporting country-led initiatives.

Managing the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network

The Secretariat manages the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN), which helps countries mobilise resources for sustainable forest management by providing information, technical guidance, and facilitating access to financial opportunities.

Promoting inter-agency collaboration

As a member of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, the Secretariat promotes inter-agency collaboration, coherence and coordination across forest-related issues. It also provides secretariat support to the CPF.

Facilitating stakeholder participation

The Secretariat works to ensure broad participation of Member States, organisations, major groups and other stakeholders in Forum processes. This engagement strengthens multi-stakeholder dialogue and enhances the implementation of the Forum’s work.

Outreach and awareness

The Secretariat leads outreach and communication on forests, including supporting the annual International Day of Forests in collaboration with FAO (A/RES/67/200, p. 2). It also maintains the Forum’s website, news, and knowledge-sharing platforms, and works to raise awareness of the Global Forest Goals and the contributions of forests to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Location and staffing

The Secretariat is located at United Nations Headquarters in New York. It is composed of highly qualified staff recruited in accordance with UN rules and procedures, complemented by seconded staff from other organisations.