The World Forestry Congress
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Historical context
The first World Forestry Congress was held in Rome in 1926 and has generally taken place every six years since then. Gatherings serve as a forum for governments, universities, civil society and the private sector to exchange views and experiences and to formulate recommendations for implementation at national, regional and global levels. The Congress also provides an opportunity for the sector to produce an overview of the state of forests and forestry in order to discern trends, adapt policies and raise awareness of issues among decision-makers, the public and other parties concerned.
Its functions are advisory, not executive, and participants attend the Congress in their personal capacity. The implementation of recommendations is a matter solely for those to whom they are addressed in light of their own particular circumstances - governments, international organizations, scientific bodies and forest owners, among others. The outcomes are brought to the attention of the FAO Conference which may consider endorsing, through a resolution, any declaration emanating from the Congress.
These prestigious events produce high quality papers, are recognized for their insightful deliberations and are known for reaching broad consensus on authoritative, although not binding, policy and technical advice to governments and international organizations. The Congress:
- brings together knowledge and experience to give guidance on the formulation and implementation of forest policy;
- expresses views which may help research organizations to identify future areas of study and international organizations to plan future work;
- promotes the elaboration and world-wide acceptance of technical standards such as an international forestry terminology, a uniform classification of forestry literature, and consistent research methods.
Past congresses
| Title | Organizer | Date | Country | Venue | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Forestry Congress XII | FAO and Canada | 21 September 2003 - 28 September 2003 | Canada | Québec city | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress XI | FAO and Turkey | 13 October 1997 - 22 October 1997 | Turkey | Antalya | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress X | FAO and France | 17 September 1991 - 26 September 1991 | France | Paris | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress IX | FAO and Mexico | 1 July 1985 - 12 July 1985 | Mexico | Mexico City | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress VIII | FAO and Indonesia | 16 October 1978 - 28 October 1978 | Indonesia | Djakarta | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress VII | FAO and Argentina | October 1972 (To be decided) | Argentina | Buenos Aires | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress VI | FAO and Spain | June 1966 (To be decided) | Spain | Madrid | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress V | FAO and US Forest Service | 1960 (To be decided) | United States of America | Seattle | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress IV | FAO and India | 11 December 1954 - December 1954 | India | Dehradun | English, French, Spanish |
| World Forestry Congress III | Finland | 10 July 1949 - 20 July 1949 | Finland | Helsinki | English |
| World Forestry Congress II | Hungary | 1936 (To be decided) | Hungary | Budapest | English |
| World Forestry Congress I | Italy | 1926 (To be decided) | Italy | Rome | English |
The Congress and FAO
FAO Council selects the host country in accordance with established criteria. Under the guidance of the Council, it is fully involved in the preparation of the Congress, although the main responsibility for organization lies with the host government. In addition, FAO establishes an advisory committee of experts around the world to consult on the theme of the Congress, the structuring of the Technical Programme, and on the identification of invited speakers and authors. It also appoints an Associate Secretary-General to work with the Secretary-General from the host country to prepare for the Congress.
FAO further assigns technical secretaries to collaborate with those designated by the host country to deal with aspects related to the technical programme, including the review of invited and voluntary papers and the servicing of Congress sessions. The Organization also assists the host country to widely disseminate outcomes and facilitates any follow-up, including monitoring and reporting at the next Congress on the implementation of recommendations.