The International Poplar Commission since its last session in India 2012 is in the process of conducting a significant reform process to expand its thematic scope, to restructure its working parties to cover environmental and development issues, to strengthen its links with sustainable livelihoods and land-use, and eventually to increase its attractiveness to international programs and donors. The 1 hr 45 minutes side-event is expected to strengthen and promote the IPC reform process with member countries and interested parties. It will provide a good opportunity to give high visibility to the accomplishments of IPC and its members. Selected protagonists among its member countries will present joint activities and projects that have been developed and coordinated with support of the Commission. The side event will also be used to officially launch the new publication “Poplars and Willows – Trees for Society and the Environment”, a major reference work on poplars and willows that documents the results of a twelve-year effort by nearly 70 contributing authors from 15 countries coordinated by the IPC. The two book editors, who are both members of the IPC Executive Committee, are expected to be present at the event.

Focus group discussion on FO's publications, covering relevance and quality of content, medium, format, dissemination channels, timeliness and appropriate language versions in order to reach our key target audiences. To attend this meeting, please contact Suzanne Lapstun.

The next World Exposition will take place in Milan from 1 May to 31 October 2015 with the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. Expo 2015 will cover a space of 110 hectares. It is expected to attract up to 20 million visitors, one third of whom will come from abroad. To date, there are 147 Official Participants, including two International Organizations (the UN and the European Union). Expo 2015 will take place during a crucial year for the UN System as the present MDGs come to an end and the post 2015 agenda is approved. The theme reflects key priorities for the UN and has led to a new type of partnership. Unlike previous Expos where the UN featured in one dedicated pavilion, this time the UN System will have a horizontal involvement across numerous areas throughout the Expo site. The UN System will bring the “Zero Hunger Challenge” to Expo 2015 with the slogan “United for a Sustainable World”. Visitors will learn how it is possible to end hunger in their lifetimes, how this can only be achieved if we work together and how they can and need to be part of the solution. This side event will include a comprehensive presentation on the UN System’s participation in Expo 2015.

By invitation.

By invitation.

By invitation.

The side event will gather countries and organizations to: (i) share information on the scope and status of knowledge, programmes and ongoing partnerships on dryland forests and agroforestry systems at regional and global levels; (ii) define priority actions and agree on next steps to boost the conservation, sustainable management and restoration of dryland forests and agroforestry systems at the global level within the framework of the three conventions (UNCCD, UNCBD and UNFCCC) and SDGs.

The Congo Basin is among the world’s major reservoirs of biological diversity and is the home of some 100 millions habitants of which the livelihoods of many depends on the forest for food and nutrition security. The non wood forest products, including bushmeat, play a significant role in poverty alleviation as source of food, medicine, construction materials and income. However, NWFP and bushmeat sectors are informal with an inappropriate support that does not promote sustainable practices. Since 2005, COMIFAC’s member countries are working together to ensure sustainable supply of NWFP and bushmeat, and to improve their contribution to poverty alleviation. The objective of the side event is to share experiences from Central Africa and to present and discuss the COMIFAC’s strategic options for enhancing food security and nutrition through sustainable management of NWFP and wildlife.