Outreach

 

International Day of Forests 2025: Forests and Foods

On Friday, 21 March, the UNFF Secretariat coordinated the celebration of the International Day of Forests at UNHQ New York. Under the theme “Forests and Foods“, this year’s event focused on the interconnection between forests and food security, highlighting the crucial role forests play in supporting sustainable food systems, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua delivered special remarks to a fully packed room. Ms. Juliette Biao, Director of the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, served as moderator and introduced the opening remarks by Mr. Ismail Belen, Chair of the UNFF20 Bureau, and Mr. Zhimin Wu, Director of the FAO Forestry Division.

Moderated by Ms. Angélica Jácome, Director, FAO NY Liaison Office – the panel featured powerful interventions showcasing diverse experiences and insights:

  • Ambassador Inga Rhonda King highlighted Haiti’s urgent food insecurity crisis and the central role reforestation must play in addressing both environmental and humanitarian challenges.
  • Ms. Eliane Ubalijoro (CIFOR-ICRAF) emphasized the overlooked links between food systems and forests and advocated for inclusive land management approaches to strengthen climate resilience.
  • Ms. Tarcila Rivera Zea, Indigenous leader from Peru, called for the recognition and integration of traditional knowledge in food and forest policies, emphasizing the role of Indigenous women in food sovereignty.
  • Mr. Nathan Hunter, coordinator of the Bronx River Foodway, showcased how urban food forests can transform communities by blending ecology, culture, and food security in a concrete-dominated environment.
  • Ms. Lindsey Jerome from Stone Barns Center presented a case study on how integrating goats into forest management helped restore ecosystems while producing food sustainably.
  • Ms. Airi Gavan and Mr. Rizka Afif (IFSA) provided youth perspectives, stressing agroforestry, education, and advocacy for forest-based food systems across Southeast Asia.
  • Ms. Inna Modja (UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador) shared a compelling video message about the Great Green Wall, advocating reforestation as a pathway to dignity, food security, and hope in the Sahel.

Together, they explored innovative approaches to leveraging forests for food security and sustainable development.

Following the panel discussion, the floor was opened for statements by Member States, who appeared energized by the panel. 23 Member States took the floor, including 9 Permanent Representatives and Deputy Permanent Representatives.

The observance was aligned with:

A social media campaign with messages and graphics in 6 languages were used and shared to promote the Day. The event can be viewed on UN WebTV.