The Secretariat and Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) took part in the Twentieth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) which was held from 5-9 May 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
The SADC Member States that participated include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. They joined calls from the international community for accelerated implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 (UNSPF), a reference framework document for the forest related work of the United Nations bodies and partners with programmes on forests; enhanced international cooperation and financing for forestry management programmes; increased visibility and support for dryland forests; strengthened national commitments and innovative funding mechanisms; and greater engagement of local communities including women and youth.
During the plenary sessions and side events during the UNFF 20, SADC delegates showcased initiatives aimed at restoring degraded forests, promoting community-based forest management, and enhancing biodiversity conservation, emphasising the important role that forests play in combating climate change and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SADC Member States highlighted activities aimed at raising awareness of the significance of forests at national level, including the commemoration of the International Day of Forests which falls on 21 March every year and provides an opportunity for engagement among traditional leaders, the public and other relevant stakeholders to promote the role of forests.
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