Target countries: Global
Lead members: IUFRO
Contributing members: CIFOR-ICRAF and FAO
Timeframe: 2025–2026
Contributions to forest-related goals: GFG 4 and target 4.5, GFG 6 and target 6.2, SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 15, 17, and KMGBF targets 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 20, 21
This joint initiative supports the UNFF and other forest-related intergovernmental processes by assessing available scientific information in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, objective, open, and transparent way and by producing reports on forest-related issues of global concern, including emerging issues.
The core activity of the Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) is preparing global reports and accompanying policy briefs on key issues that reflect state-of-the-art understanding of the subject matter. They provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary and scientifically sound information written in a comprehensible way for policy makers, stakeholders and the interested broader public. Topics are chosen based on the information needs of intergovernmental processes and institutions. The reports are prepared by thematic Expert Panels involving internationally recognized leading scientific experts in their field, who consolidate existing, available information rather than conducting new research. To ensure scientific rigor, all reports undergo a double-blind peer review process. The frequency of reports is determined by the information needs and requests from intergovernmental processes. All GFEP reports are accompanied by related policy briefs that give an overview of the key messages for policy- and decision-makers.
All GFEP reports received considerable international media attention, had significant impact on international policies and have served as background information for discussions, briefing documents for negotiators, guidance for strategic policy development, as well as teaching materials.
Main activities in 2025 have included the finalization of the GFEP assessment Forests for Social and Economic Resilience, which was published on 5 June 2025. It was developed by a high-level interdisciplinary and international team of 31 researchers (22 authors and 9 reviewers).
Future activities will include continued outreach for the finalized GFEP assessment on Forests for Social and Economic Resilience, with efforts extending through 2026.
GFEP’s scientific assessments are expected to enhance decision-making on forest-related issues of high concern by providing unbiased, scientific insights, contributing to the achievement of forest-related commitments and the SDGs. GFEP assessments are also expected to serve as comprehensive information sources for scientists, educators and communicators.
The Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative was established within the framework of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), and is led and coordinated by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) as part of IUFRO’s Science-Policy Programme (SciPol). It builds on the political recognition provided by the United Nations Forum on Forests (ECOSOC Resolution 2006/49) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Decision IX/16).
