The XXVI World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), held in Stockholm, Sweden, June 23-29, 2024, brought together 4,271 participants from 102 countries. The Stockholm Congress Statement calls for resolute and equitable actions and the best use of the knowledge provided by the global science community for informed and far-sighted decisions.
The XXVI IUFRO World Congress provided a global forum for the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and visions between scientists across a broad spectrum of disciplines, and dialogue with youth, policymakers, forest managers, business representatives, and civil society organizations.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, and mounting social injustice are among the most severe crises the world is facing today.
Tackling these interlinked crises requires resolute and equitable actions and everyone must take responsibility in their sphere of influence.
We call for resolute and equitable actions and the best use of the knowledge provided by the global science community for informed and far-sighted decisions, said John Parrotta, IUFRO President.
The Congress urges to make best use of the knowledge of the global science community to:
- Strengthen forest resilience and climate adaptation;
- Maintain and enhance the social values of forests for sustainable societies;
- Expand the role of forests and forest products in a responsible circular bioeconomy; and
- Transform forest-related sciences for the future.
Action at all levels in line with these messages can contribute to maintaining a stable planet supporting life and human well-being.
Thorough participatory drafting process
The Stockholm Congress Statement, presented during the Closing Ceremony of the Congress on June 29, 2024, is the output document of the Congress and the result of a thorough participatory drafting process.
The Nordic and Baltic countries also provided significant input to the IUFRO Stockholm Congress Statement.
Prepared in advance of the Congress, it served as a guiding document for global forest research and policy, influencing international agendas and fostering sustainable forest management practices worldwide.
Fredrik Ingemarson, Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee, highlighted the comprehensive nature and scientific depth of the input.
The Nordic and Baltic contribution encapsulates a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, ensuring scientific quality and height of our input. This collective effort reflects our commitment to leveraging scientific insights for bold and strategic action, said Fredrik Ingemarson on June 15, 2024, when the finalized Nordic-Baltic statement was announced.
The finalized Nordic and Baltic document underscores forests’ crucial roles in sustaining life on earth and driving economic growth while decoupling it from fossil fuel dependency.
It emphasizes the need for enhanced systems thinking, resilience, and sustainable management of forest ecosystems to address the multifaceted challenges posed by rapid environmental, technological, and societal changes.
A warm thank you to all stakeholders—from small-scale forest owners to large NGOs and governmental agencies— for invaluable contributions. Our inclusive approach has ensured that every voice was heard and valued, culminating in a robust and forward-thinking statement, Fredrik Ingemarson said.
IUFRO elects first female President
Professor Daniela Kleinschmit of the University of Freiburg, Germany, was elected as the new President of IUFRO, succeeding current President, John Parrotta, US Forest Service, Research & Development.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in IUFRO’s history, as she is the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
Professor Daniela Kleinschmit has held various academic positions at the University of Freiburg and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and currently serves as VP of Divisions on the IUFRO board.
She has a background in forest policy science, earning her PhD from the University of Göttingen in 2003.
This achievement marks an important change for the forest science community, where more women are increasingly assuming roles traditionally dominated by men.
The shift was evident at the present World Congress, where 44 percent of the delegates are women, predominantly under the age of 40, reflecting a positive trend towards a true gender balance and diversity in leadership.
The 27th IUFRO World Congress is slated to take place in 2029, in Nairobi, Kenya.
