The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF9) will officially launch 2011 as the International Year of Forests with the theme “Celebrating Forests for People”. At its annual meeting held in New York, the UNFF9 focused on “Forests for People, Livelihoods and Poverty Eradication”. The meetings provided the opportunity for governments to discuss the cultural and social values of forests, governance and how stakeholders can cooperate. The U.S. Government highlighted its forest-related activities and initiatives over the course of the two week meeting, including hosting a side event focused on “Urban Greening in America”.
The United Nations Forum on Forests was established in October 2000 to promote and strengthen long-term commitments to the management, conservation and sustainable development of forests. The UNFF is composed of all member states of the United Nations and its specialized agencies.