Mexico and Nepal advocate for global forest goals at UN Forum on Forests

During the recent Forum on Forests 2025 (UNFF20) meeting, significant commitments were made by member states to enhance global forest conservation efforts, directly supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mexico led the discussions by appealing for increased national efforts to fulfill six global forest goals, emphasizing the importance of national voluntary reports in tracking progress. The country expressed gratitude for the guidance provided by the UN Secretariat in drafting these reports and highlighted the development of a digital platform to facilitate their integration.

Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with other member states and the UN Secretariat to strengthen sustainable forest management and combat climate change. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of optimizing forest management practices and enhancing synergies across various organizations.

Nepal also contributed to the dialogue, showcasing its impressive increase in forest cover from 26% to 45% over the past three decades. The country called for developed nations to fulfill their climate commitments and provide enhanced financial support for forest projects in least developed countries (LDCs). Nepal stressed the need for simplified access to carbon markets and significant technology transfer to address climate-induced challenges.

The Republic of Congo expressed gratitude for the international community's support in adopting the UN decade on forests and forestry. The country reported protecting 9.5 million hectares of forests and maintaining a low deforestation rate of below 1%. Congo highlighted its efforts in local wood processing and tree planting initiatives, which aim to boost employment and develop the timber industry.

These discussions underscore a collective commitment among nations to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to drive further collaboration and action towards achieving global forest goals, ultimately contributing to a greener and more resilient future for all.