About the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is the main United Nations platform where all countries work together on forest-related issues. As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) with universal membership, it provides a global forum for policy dialogue, cooperation and coordination. Through this work, the UNFF promotes the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and trees outside of forests and helps build long-term political commitment to forests worldwide.

Universal membership and inclusive engagement

The UNFF has universal membership and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations, as well as relevant specialized agencies. Its work is supported by broad engagement with regional and international organisations, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, Major Groups and other stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to global forest policy.

How the Forum works

The UNFF meets annually, alternating between policy sessions and technical sessions.

Policy sessions focus on intergovernmental decision-making and the adoption of resolutions and guidance, while technical sessions provide space for in-depth discussions, knowledge exchange and technical inputs in support of implementation. Together, these sessions ensure continuity between policy development and practical action on the ground.

History and mandate

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was established in October 2000 through ECOSOC resolution 2000/35. It operates within the framework of the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF), which provides the overarching policy and institutional framework for global forest governance under the United Nations.

Its mandate builds on the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, including the Rio Declaration, Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, the Forest Principles, and the processes of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IPF/IFF proposals for action).

Since its establishment, the UNFF has played a central role in shaping the international forest policy framework, including through the adoption of the UN Forest Instrument, the establishment of the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN), and the adoption of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, with its six Global Forest Goals.