Malaysia proposes formal convention to strengthen UN Forum on Forests

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has proposed that the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) be strengthened into a formal convention to enhance national commitments towards the sustainable management, conservation and development of forest resources.

The proposal was presented during the 20th session of the UNFF (UNFF20) at UN Headquarters in New York last week.

The Malaysian delegation was led by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo a/l Kim.

In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia called for the transformation of the UNFF from a voluntary and non-legally binding instrument into a more formal, convention-based framework.

“This would strengthen the commitment of countries in the sustainable management, conservation, and development of forest resources,” the statement read.

During the session from May 5 to 9, Malaysia also shared its views and input in line with the ministry’s aspirations, particularly its efforts to maintain forest cover, which currently stands at 54.31% of the country’s total land area.

Malaysia also emphasised the importance of implementing land-use policies such as the National Forestry Policy and the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022-2030. 

The Malaysian delegation also highlighted the need to support the forestry sector through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial assistance for developing nations.

In addition, it highlighted the crucial role of forests in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity, including their function as carbon sinks – an important element in achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2050. 

This is in line with Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

“These efforts contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land),” the statement read.

The UNFF serves as a platform for policy development, especially in implementing sustainable forest management, and facilitates continuous dialogue among governments, international organisations, and other forestry stakeholders.

Over 300 delegates from 70 countries, including Malaysia, attended the meeting. – Bernama

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