The private sector is essential to achieve the Global Forest Goals
New York, 6 May 2025 — The twentieth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) hosted a pivotal event titled “Unlocking the Potential: Public-private Sector Collaboration for Advancing Global Forest Goals.” Co-hosted by the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) and FAO's Advisory Committee on Forest-Based Industries (ACSFI), the session underscored the critical role that strengthened public-private partnerships can play in the transition towards a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy.
Mr Sven Walter, Senior Forestry Officer, FAO, welcomed participants on behalf of Mr. Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO's Forestry Division. He underlined that “collaboration between the public and private sector is more relevant than ever to bring in policy support, data, innovation, investment, and market-driven solutions”. “Only together, public and private sector can unlock innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth”.
Mr Walter was followed by the ACSFI Chair Mr José Carlos da Fonseca Junior, Executive Director of the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) and CEO of the Brazilian Paper Packaging Association (Empapel), alongside the ICFPA President Ms Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association. Both leaders emphasized that bringing these two influential groups together provides a valuable opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue and catalyze action around public-private collaboration.
Mr. da Fonseca Junior highlighted the scale of Brazil’s forestry efforts: “We see ourselves as a large-scale bioeconomy sector. We plant in Brazil every day 1.8 million trees for silviculture. We also have some 10 million hectares in planted forestry, and our companies preserve around 6 million hectares in native forest.” Such commitments exemplify how private sector initiatives contribute directly to achieving the Global Forest Goals (GFGs).
Following the opening, an exciting panel explored mechanisms and pathways to advance sustainable forest management in partnership with the private sector.
“The Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT) is working on the conviction that tropical sustainable forest concessions are the future!” affirmed Françoise Van de Ven, ATIBT President, . “In the context of Central Africa, forest certification processes and sustainable forest management plans have evolved beyond simply obtaining the consent of local communities to creating real, long-term local development opportunities”. Mrs. Van de Ven highlighted that this approach is evident in various initiatives, such as private-community partnerships in agroforestry, support for local entrepreneurship and non-timber forest product (NTFP) development, as well as in improving market access for local communities . This emphasizes the importance of inclusive and development-oriented approaches in private-community partnerships for sustainable forestry.
Discussions also showcased Europe's leading role in the green transition of the wood sector. Silvia Melegari, Secretary General of the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bòis), stated “that the European solid wood industry is very well positioned to be a driving force in the transition towards a sustainable forest bioeconomy. To realize this full potential, we need the coherence of policies.” Her remarks focused on the utilization of wood in the construction sector for carbon neutrality, SFM implementation, biodiversity conservation and rural development, underscoring the necessity of policy coherence to unlock this potential especially regarding improved standards, green public procurement and national building codes that recognize sustainability and the carbon benefits of wood products.
The event highlighted public-private sector progress in other sectors and regions as well. The South-African pulp and paper industry shared insights into its challenges and successes, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector cooperation for sustainable transformation. Jane Moloney, Executive Director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa, recounted their collaborative efforts with government: “We have collaborated with our government to develop legislation recognizing the role of sequestration and storage. We now have a legal framework in place, and carbon that is sequestered and stored is accounted for and accredited under our carbon tax system.”
The importance of public-private sector collaboration, especially in policy alignment, certification, and sustainable forest management (SFM), was also stressed by the Deputy Head of Department, General Directorate of Forestry of Turkey, Mr Ümit Turhan. He underlined that the private sector plays a key role in producing high-value forest products, contributing to economic growth, and supporting community engagement through programs that provide sustainable income for local populations.
The significance of public-private collaboration was further reinforced by Sheam Satkuru, Executive Director of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). She highlighted ITTO’s programme promoting legal and sustainable timber supply chains in the tropical timber sector as an example of successful collaboration. “This programme has generated significant interest among member countries and also led to the development of private sector activities, demonstrating ITTO’s effectiveness in fostering collaboration and advancing sustainable forestry solutions,” she stated.
Reflections from member countries included the need of reassessing past mistakes and implementing better strategies to protect the forests for the future.
Ms Barbara Tavora Jainchill from the UNFF Secretariat, closed the event emphasizing that active private sector participation is essential for meaningful progress, as governments and international organizations alone cannot achieve sustainable forest management and environmental goals. She highlighted past challenges in engaging the private sector within UNFF processes, which were overcome through persistent efforts and collaborations and today the industries are part of the UNFF Major Groups.
As stakeholders continue to share knowledge, align policies, and support sustainable practices, there is a promising pathway toward a resilient and sustainable future for forests worldwide. Strengthening these partnerships will be essential in translating commitments into tangible actions that benefit both people and the planet.