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FPAC president Derek Nighbor to serve as liaison to United Nations Forum on Forests

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announced that a new agreement was recently signed at the World Forestry Congress in Seoul that will help advance forestry solutions and policy dialogue around the world.

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat and the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) announced a new partnership that will make ICFPA the focal of the forest sector globally. The partnership will provide a framework for the two organizations to work together to discuss and implement forest-related policies and agreements that are good for people and the planet.

FPAC president and CEO Derek Nighbor has been selected by his international colleagues to serve as the liaison between the 18 ICFPA member organizations around the world and the UNFF.

“I am honoured to have been selected by my international colleagues to serve in this liaison role. My goal is to make a difference by bringing Canadian innovation, experience, and know-how to the global policy table and by bringing the best ideas from countries around the world to strengthen opportunity for forestry families and communities here at home,” said Derek Nighbor, president of International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA).

“The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 calls for a world where forests are sustainably managed, contribute to sustainable development, and provide economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits for present and future generations. An estimated 1.6 billion people, or 25% of the global population, rely on forests for their subsistence needs, livelihoods, employment, and income. The private sector is fundamental in the promotion and implementation of sustainable forest management, so working with our partners in the forest industry will be critical to our ultimate success and we are delighted to have ICFPA supporting the UN Forum on Forests in this important work,” said Barbara Tavora-Jainchill, programme management officer, Forest Affairs, United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs United Nations.