FPAC’s Derek Nighbor appointed liaison to UN Forum on Forests

As governments around the world turn to the benefits of sustainable forest management and forest products to support climate action and post-pandemic economic recovery, a new agreement struck today at the World Forestry Congress in Seoul will help advance forestry solutions and policy dialogue around the world.

Earlier today, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat and the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) announced a new partnership that will make ICFPA the focal of the forest sector globally, providing a framework for the two organizations to work together to discuss and implement forest-related policies and agreements that are good for people and the planet.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) president and CEO Derek Nighbor has been selected by his international colleagues to serve as the liaison between the 18 ICFPA member organizations around the world and the UNFF.

“There is no path to a lower carbon economy without sustainable forest management and sustainably sourced forest products,” Nighbor said. “This new collaboration between ICFPA and UNFF will allow us to advance policy insights and learnings across international borders to build a resilient global economy – one that creates greater economic and social opportunities for the nearly 2 billion people who live in or near forested communities around the globe.

“I am honoured to have been selected by my international colleagues to serve in this liaison role. My goal is to make a difference by bringing Canadian innovation, experience, and know-how to the global policy table and by bringing the best ideas from countries around the world to strengthen opportunity for forestry families and communities here at home.”

“Barbara Tavora-Jainchill, programme management officer, Forest Affairs, United Nations Forum on Forests, said, “The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 calls for a world where forests are sustainably managed, contribute to sustainable development, and provide economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits for present and future generations. An estimated 1.6 billion people, or 25% of the global population, rely on forests for their subsistence needs, livelihoods, employment, and income. The private sector is fundamental in the promotion and implementation of sustainable forest management, so working with our partners in the forest industry will be critical to our ultimate success and we are delighted to have ICFPA supporting the UN Forum on Forests in this important work.”