Saudi Arabia participates in the UN Forestry Forum to support sustainability
The 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) commenced at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, with the participation of a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by the Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil. This participation underscores the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in international efforts aimed at protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.
General context and importance of the forum
The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), established in 2000 by a resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the principal intergovernmental platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable management and conservation of all types of forests. The Forum meets annually to discuss forest-related challenges and opportunities, coordinate policies, and monitor progress towards achieving agreed global goals. This year’s session focuses particularly on the mid-term review of the implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, which aims to halt deforestation and forest degradation, increase forest cover, and enhance the economic, social, and environmental benefits of forests.
The Kingdom's role and its green initiatives
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation in this international forum reflects its unwavering commitment to the global sustainability agenda, which it translates into reality through ambitious initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.The Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees within the Kingdom, and the Middle East Green , which aims to plant an additional 40 billion trees across the region, are prime examples of the Kingdom’s leadership in climate action and combating desertification. The forum provides an ideal platform for the Kingdom to showcase these efforts, share its expertise with the international community, and highlight how these projects contribute to achieving global forestry goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Expected impact and international cooperation
Forests are vital to the planet, covering approximately 31% of the land area, harboring over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, and providing livelihoods for more than 1.6 billion people. They also play an indispensable role in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. The forum's discussions are expected to yield practical recommendations to accelerate global action, mobilize financial resources, and strengthen partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society. Saudi Arabia's active participation in New York is not merely symbolic; it represents a call to enhance international cooperation to address shared environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
