Major Groups Initiative on UNFF

July 26-30, 2010 | Accra, Ghana

As part of their efforts to contribute to sustainable forest management discussions under the auspices of UNFF, the Major Groups participating in the UNFF process are organizing an international workshop on the theme: Applying Sustainable Forest Management to Poverty Reduction: Strengthening the Multi-Stakeholder Approachwithin the UNFF.

The workshop will take place from 26-30 July 2010 in Accra, Ghana, and is being hosted in collaboration with the government of Ghana with support from the UNFF Secretariat and a number of other governments and will be in English. It aims to bring together approximately 120 key representatives from Major Groups, governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Goals and Objectives

The Multi-Stakeholder Workshop in Ghana is designed to support the UNFF process by enhancing meaningful participation of Major Groups[1]at the policy-making level, and building momentumtowards implementation.

The workshop has four key objectives:

(i) Develop concrete recommendations for UNFF 9 (24 January-4 February, 2011) which has the theme of “Forests for people, livelihoods and poverty eradication”;

(ii) Identify strengths and weaknesses of the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue process associated with the UNFF, and create specific recommendations for increasing its effectiveness;

(iii) Identify specific activities for Major Groups’ contribution to the UN International Year of Forests (2011);

(iv) Foster alliances, partnerships and networking within Major Groups and between Major Groups and other key players in the UNFF process.

Participating

Major Groups participating in the UNFF process have undertaken a selection process for participants to be considered for funding for the workshop.

Limited opportunities to participate in the event are still available for those who are able to self-finance or find funding from other sources (e.g. their universities, organizations, or government departments).  These places will be provided on a first come, first served, basis. If you are interested in this possibility, please contact us.

Steering Committee

The workshop has been organized by an international steering committee composed of representatives of UNFF Major Groups.