New global network empowers young professionals across the forest sector

By Elaine Springgay and Mike Cresswell

5 May 2022, Seoul – The Global Network for Forestry Young Professionals (ForYP) was launched at the World Forestry Congress in Seoul, Republic of Korea on Thursday, 5 May. ForYP aims to increase the visibility of young professionals, providing an inclusive space to share ideas, learn, and showcase the contributions of young professionals to the forest sector.

Young professionals are both the present and future of the forest sector, which needs to be more inclusive of youth and to ensure that generational divides are bridged. ForYP is a global community for young professionals to network, to develop their professional skills and confidence, and to gain empowerment. The network aims to collaborate with the International Forestry Students Association (IFSA) and other forestry networks and associations to increase the visibility, engagement and career development of young professionals.

ForYP’s mission is to ‘empower a global, diverse, and inclusive community of young professionals in the forest sector’ with the vision to grow experts in the forest sector.

Members of ForYP will benefit from services such as, online networking platform, social and networking events, career development and training. At the World Forestry Congress, ForYP facilitated the Project Learning Tree Canada/WFC Green Mentorship programme, which connected 51 mentorship pairs around the world. It also provided pre-Congress training for youth and young professionals, hosted a networking event and organized a Special Event on young professionals and career development.

To join ForYP, register with the network. For more information on ForYP, visit ForYP.org or follow @ForYPorg on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

 ForYP is a network for and led by young professionals in the forest sector, including professionals up to 40 years of age and/or with less than 15 years of experience in the sector. It provides services that are tailored to the unique needs of young professionals including networking and career development opportunities for early to mid-level professionals in the forest sector.