From June 23 to 29, the XXVI World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) took place in Stockholm, Sweden. At the congress, Karen Ellemann, the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, presented the contributions from the Nordic and Baltic regions.
The Stockholm Congress is a global forum for exchanging knowledge, perspectives, and visions across different disciplines and engaging in dialogue with youth, policymakers, forest managers, business representatives, and civil society organizations. The Nordic and Baltic contribution to the Stockholm Congress Statement for the IUFRO World Congress 2024 addresses the role of forests in societal development towards 2050.
In the Nordic region, there are longstanding traditions of sustainable forestry, and over 100,000 people are employed in the forestry sector. Forests are vital for our planet, providing clean air, homes for wildlife, and resources we rely on. Sustainable forest management is grounded in strong scientific foundations from academic institutions and democratic processes, involving scientists, institutions, NGOs, businesses, and governments, as well as small forest owners, local civil society, and youth organizations.
"The Nordic and Baltic countries are already collaborating extensively on forest health, including protection against pests and diseases, climate change adaptation, and expansion of new biomaterials. The development of common strategies to adapt forestry to climate change, enable a balanced, holistic view of forest systems."
– Karen Ellemann
The IUFRO Congress, gathering more than 4200 participants from 102 countries, offered a valuable chance for the scientific community to engage with decision-makers and establish a shared vision. The outcome of the 26th IUFRO World Congress, titled The Stockholm Statement: Forest and Society towards 2050, urges decisive and fair actions along with forward-thinking decisions. This statement serves as the foundation for preserving our forest ecosystems and promoting human well-being, united under one common vision.
The Stockholm Congress Statement contains five key messages directed to researchers and policymakers, aiming to provide strategic guidance, and enabling bold action:
1. Holistic view. Bold future decisions come from a balanced, holistic view of forest systems.
2. Participation. Involve people on equal terms, through transparent and democratic processes, for better decisions in the forest sector.
3. Collaboration. Collaboration between researchers, institutions, businesses, NGOs and governments is necessary to guide policy action.
4. Attracting talent. Create dialogue with forest stakeholders to improve innovation and develop additional competences for forest professionals.
5. Financing. New business models and financial reforms are needed for managing natural resources in a more sustainable way.
The Nordic region is to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. This goal is only achievable if we ensure the good health of our forests through sustainable forestry and the use of innovative and technological practices. We must recognize the wide role forests have, both in terms of climate and biodiversity conservation, but also as contributors of sustainable materials.
The next IUFRO Congress will be held in Kenya in 2029.
In the photo: Secretary General Karen Ellemann at the IUFRO World Congress 2024. Photographer: Henrik Karmehag.
