The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a high-level intergovernmental policy forum including all United Nations member states and permanent observers. The committee was established in 2000 to replace the IPF/IFF, and the forum aims to promote the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end. With these goals in mind the UNFF is working to achieve its 2030 agenda, the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, which focuses on sustainable development. In a time of severe, world-wide global warming and climate change the UNFF has the imperative role of protecting our planet. 2024 marked the 19th session of the UNFF and the forum undertook its midterm review of the International Arrangement of forest and discussed plans to reach their 2030 goals. Through diplomatic dialogue and collaborative efforts, delegates will work to strengthen UNFF’s capacity to address evolving climate threats and protect forests across the globe.
topics and questions to consider
Topic 1: Management and Prevention of Forest Fires
Questions to Consider
What are the most common causes of forest fires?
How are forest fires most often started?
How are data analytics and AI being used to predict and manage fire risks?
What role does community preparedness (e.g., evacuation plans, fire drills) play in minimizing the impact of forest fires?
How do forest fires affect local communities, including health, economy, and displacement?
What resources are most scarce after fires?
What role does climate change play in the frequency and severity of forest fires?
What technologies (e.g., satellite monitoring, AI-based detection) are being employed to detect fire risks early?
How do different ecosystems (e.g., boreal forests vs. Mediterranean scrublands) influence fire management strategies?
What role do private sectors (e.g., insurance, agriculture) play in fire management and prevention policies?
Topic 2: Deforestation and Ethical Tree Farming
Questions to Consider
What countries are most affected by deforestation?
How do countries benefit from increased forest cover?
How does timber harvesting relate to climate change and loss of biodiversity?
Can commercial tree farms help fight climate change?
What human communities are most impacted by both legal and illegal logging, and why?
What countries consume the most timber?
How does logging relate to commercial agriculture?
Are tree farms an acceptable substitute for natural forest cover?
How do different countries regulate the logging industry?
How can tree farming and industrial agriculture coexist?
