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The Report of the Major Group Led Initiative in Support of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

UN office Nairobi, March 4 to 6, 2024

Introduction

The Major Group Led Initiative, a pivotal gathering under the UNFF umbrella, brings together representatives from various major groups including women, farmers and smallholders, indigenous peoples, NGOs, Children and Youth, and the Scientific and Technological Community. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing coordination among major groups, addressing pertinent issues in sustainable forest management, and formulating key messages for the 19th UNFF session in New York City in May 2024.

Figure 1 Meeting situation during MGLI, facilitated by Binsar Sihotang

IFSA’s head of sub-commission, Binsar Sihotang, spearheaded the coordination efforts for this meeting alongside other representatives from UNFF’s major groups. After approximately four months of preparation, covering the conceptual framework, meeting agenda, speakers, and relevant materials, the event achieved a significant milestone by adopting the Terms of Reference for the International Arrangement of Forest Major Group Coordination Mechanism. Additionally, the meeting adopted the Nairobi Declaration 2024: A Global Call for Stronger Forest Commitment. Both the Terms of Reference and the Nairobi Declaration mark the inaugural outcomes of UNFF major groups, signaling a concerted effort towards improved governance and urging member states to bolster their commitment and investment in forestry.

Figure 2 Meeting participants of the MGLI 2024

Figure 3 Meeting situation during MGLI 2024

IFSA Representatives

IFSA delegates, Binsar Sihotang, Emery Akonkwa Shabani, Meynard Karsten Eugenia br Sitorus, Erlita Indah Savitri, Japhet Samuel, and Salma Motunrayo Omotara actively engaged in discussions encompassing various forestry topics from the perspective of youth. They conducted a comprehensive analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) pertaining to youth involvement in advancing sustainable forest management. Furthermore, they contributed to formulating recommendations for key messages to be addressed by policymakers at the upcoming UNFF19.

Binsar’s Election as Co-Chair:

Binsar Sihotang was elected as co-chair facilitator of the International Arrangement of Forest Major Group Coordination Mechanism. This marks the first instance where UNFF major groups have collectively appointed interim co-chair facilitators. Binsar Sihotang, representing the Major Group Children and Youth, alongside Mia Crawford from the Major Group Farmers and Small-forest Landowners (Forest Director, EU and International Affairs, Federation of Swedish Family Forest Owners, and Head of Delegation of the World Farmers Organisation to UNFF19), assumed this role. Binsar’s election underscores the pivotal role of the younger generation in forestry discussions.

Figure 4 Mia Crawford and Binsar Sihotang selected as the co-chairs of coordination mechanism of the international arrangement of forest (UNFF)

Conclusion:

The role of the young generation in advancing sustainable forest management is crucial, as evidenced by the success of this meeting. Binsar, head of the UNFF sub-commission, played a pivotal role in coordinating preparations, facilitating the agenda’s implementation, and drafting the report. Additionally, other participants contributed their unique skills and experiences to the discussions. Their active involvement in the SWOT analysis and contributions to the Nairobi Declaration infused the meeting with fresh perspectives from the younger generation.