Past World Forestry Congress

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 organisations, 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 recognised for their insightful deliberations and are known for reaching broad consensus on authoritative, although not binding, policy and technical advice to governments and international organisations.

The Congress:

• brings together knowledge and experience to give guidance on the formulation and implementation of forest policy;
• expresses views which may help research organisations to identify future areas of study and international organisations to plan future work; and
• 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	Organiser	Date	Country	Venue	Languages
World Forestry Congress XIII	FAO & Argentina	18 - 23 Oct 2009	Argentina	Buenos Aires	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress XII	FAO & Canada	21 - 28 Sept 2003	Canada	Québec City	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress XI	FAO &Turkey	13 - 22 Oct 1997	Turkey	Antalya	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress X	FAO & France	17 - 26 Sept 1991	France	Paris	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress IX	FAO & Mexico	1 - 12 July 1985	Mexico	Mexico City	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress VIII	FAO & Indonesia	16 - 28 Oct 1978	Indonesia	Jakarta	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress VII	FAO & Argentina	Oct 1972	Argentina	Buenos Aires	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress VI	FAO & Spain	June 1966	Spain	Madrid	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress V	FAO & US Forest Service	1960	USA	Seattle	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress IV	FAO & India	Dec 1954	India	Dehradun	English, French, Spanish
World Forestry Congress III	Finland	July 1949	Finland	Helsinki	English
World Forestry Congress II	Hungary	1936	Hungary	Budapest	English
World Forestry Congress I	Italy	1926	Italy	Rome	English