Connecting with youth and the future of forestry
The COFO 28/ World Forest Week Youth Task Force is excited to present a dedicated programme to youth employment and career pathways in forestry. Young professionals will also contribute as speakers and participants in technical and policy discussions across the COFO 28 and World Forest Week programme.
Following COFO 28, engagement will continue through activities linked to the World Food Forum, including the Youth Assembly thematic session “From vision to voice: launching the global youth constituency on forestry” and “Empowering women and the next generation of forest entrepreneurs”.
The sessions are open to all COFO/WFW delegates, young professionals working at FAO and online.Thursday 24 September
Thursday 24 September 15.00–16.00 CEST Online registration
This global technical youth dialogue will bring together students and young forestry professionals from different regions to share evidence, youth-led solutions and policy recommendations linked to selected COFO 28 agenda items. The discussion will contribute to the preparation of youth messages and support IFSA’s engagement as an observer at COFO 28.Tuesday 29 September
Career talk with private sector forestry leader: Roberto Andrés Bosch
Tuesday 29 September 11.00–11.45 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
This interactive session will connect early-career professionals with Roberto Andrés Bosch, President of Gremial Forestal de Guatemala and Member of the FAO Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries, to discuss careers pathways, key skills and opportunities. Drawing on his experience in the private sector and sustainable forest-based industries, the exchange will combine personal reflections, practical advice and an open question-and-answer discussion.
Tuesday 29 September 11.45–12.30 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
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Career talk with forestry research and policy leader: Daniela Kleinschmit
Tuesday 29 September 14.00–14.45 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
This session will connect young people and early-career professionals with Daniela Kleinschmit, President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). Drawing on her experience in forest policy, research and international collaboration, the exchange will combine personal career reflections, practical advice and an open question-and-answer discussion for participants.
Career talk with Garo Batmanian, Director General, Brazilian Forest Service
Tuesday 29 September 14.45–15.30 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
Wednesday 30 September
Resilient careers: empowering youth for employment in a changing forest sector
Wednesday 30 September 11.00–12.30 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
The session will examine current and emerging employment trends in the forest sector, the barriers young people face when entering and progressing within the sector, employers’ expectations and entry points. It will bring together technical experts, young professionals and employers to discuss youth employment and career pathways in forestry.
Ask a recruiter: with experts from the FAO Human Resources Division
Wednesday 30 September 14.00–15.30 CEST Malaysia Room and online registration
This interactive session will provide young people and early-career professionals with practical guidance on recruitment in the forest sector. Topics will include job searches, CV preparation, interviews, common recruitment challenges and career development, with opportunities for direct exchange with recruitment professionals.
Thursday 1 October
Across generations: connecting for the future of forestry
Thursday 1 October 16.30–17.00 CEST Atrium
Following a brief presentation on FAO's Forestry Division youth engagement work, young professionals from FAO and beyond will share their experiences and impact through short photo-based pitches, complemented by reflections from senior professionals on intergenerational learning, collaboration and how different generations can support one another in forestry.