Over 2,300 delegates from around the forestry world took part in the opening proceedings of the 26th International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) World Congress. Taking place June 23-29, 2024, in Stockholm, Sweden, the global event was officially opened by HM King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden.
According to the organizers, almost 4,200 delegates from more than 110 countries have registered for the week-long congress. Primarily from the scientific community, delegates also include government ministers, agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The IUFRO World Congress is interdisciplinary and integrative in scientific content, a global forum for scientists and stakeholders to discuss technical and societal issues of forest-related research, policy-making, and management.
The opening session included a performance by folk music band Systerpolskan and folk musician Cajsa Ekstav, highlighting the cultural aspects of wood, trees, and forests. Fredrik Ingemarson, Chair of the Organizing Committee, HM King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden, Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren, John Parrota, President of IUFRO, and Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) – the host organization – held opening remarks.
In his welcome address, HM King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden noted that the last time Sweden hosted the event was in 1929, when “my great-grandfather Gustaf V was King. Back then, the forest played a crucial role in fostering stability in rural areas, providing both economic and social security.”
The most recent forest conference was held in Brazil in 2019. The difference between boreal forests and the Amazon might seem big. But this week, many examples of similarities as well as common challenges will be discussed too. To manage forests sustainably, whether they are in boreal forests or the South, we need certain basics in place to create resilient systems. These include stable institutions like government agencies, robust markets, and solid research to help us make smart decisions supporting a greener future, HM King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden said.
HM The King also highlighted the role that conferences like IUFRO 2024 play in “building bridges between continents and people, addressing common challenges, and showcasing forest solutions for a sustainable society.”
This includes the role of “forests as carbon sinks in helping to combat climate change. Protecting and sustainably managing forests is essential to maintaining their role in capturing carbon.”
Sweden has a proud tradition of sustainable forestry. This includes family forestry, where families manage forest lands over generations. It also involves the unique right of public access, allowing everyone to enjoy the forests. Our hunting and wildlife management practices help keep ecosystems balanced and diverse, which is crucial for protecting nature. Sweden has also created a sustainable countryside through long-term ownership and collaboration among forestry stakeholders, industry, and local communities. This has created stable markets for forest products and services, making forestry a vital part of our economy, HM King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden said.
The Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren, echoed the sentiments of HM The King while emphasizing the importance of both regional and global cooperation in forestry research while Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor, SLU emphasized the importance of IUFRO for academia, students, and researchers.
Tree-planting ceremony
Founded in 1892, the first IUFRO congress took place in 1893. Since then, congresses have usually been held every five years in different parts of the world.
A tree-planting ceremony was held on June 23, 2024, at the Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm. This event, a longstanding tradition within IUFRO, symbolized resilience and the enduring connection between generations and continents.
It also provides a platform for the host countries to showcase their regional culture and traditions related to forest and tree usage.
We applaud Skansen for their unwavering commitment to forests. This tree-planting ceremony not only celebrated our rich forestry heritage but also paved the way for future generations to appreciate and protect our natural environment. The Skansen venue was the perfect setting for this ceremony, commented Fredrik Ingemarson, Chair of the Organizing Committee.
Oaks and pines
Two oaks and two pines were ceremoniously planted, representing the rich forest culture of northern Europe.
The event featured a renowned choir “Allmänna sången” performance and included speeches from dignitaries representing the City of Stockholm, IUFRO, and Sweden.
We are proud to host this historic event. It not only highlights the importance of our forests but also strengthens the bond between diverse cultures and communities, said Yvonne Nordlind, CMO of Skansen expressing her pride in hosting the event.
The 27th IUFRO World Congress is set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
