The XIV World Forestry Congress to be held in Durban, South Africa, next year is gearing up to be the most dynamic and stimulating Congress yet.

The first time that the largest and most significant gathering of the world’s forest sector is hosted in Africa will also be the first time that the Congress moves away from its traditional format.

With a new interactive programme of interviews and debates on cutting-edge topics, hands-on demonstrations and innovative uses of digital and social media, sessions are being designed to engage a broad range of participants and ensure all voices are heard as the Congress shapes the sustainable future of forests and forestry.

Read more about the goals of the Congress here.

Registration to open soon

Registration will open soon with details available on the main XIV World Forestry Congress website which is launching in the near future.

Past Congresses have attracted between 3 000 and 7 000 participants and we welcome the participation of people from all countries, regions and sectors.

Whether representatives of government or non-governmental organizations, private companies, academia, scientific or professional bodies, forestry associations, community organisations, local practitioners, or simply those who have a personal  interest,  we look forward  to seeing you all in South  Africa  next year.

Be part of the World Forestry Congress Programme

You can help define a vision for forests by sharing inspiring ideas and solutions through presenting your technical work. In the spirit of diversifying from traditional panel presentations and making sessions more dynamic, we will be calling not just for papers and posters but also for short videos that showcase forest initiatives. Full guidelines and precise deadlines will be available on the FAO Congress website when the call for papers is launched, but in the meantime here is the preliminary timetable for submissions:

Voluntary papers, posters and videos

The Congress will also welcome side events and parallel events by partners promoting innovative work which reflects the theme Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future.

Side events (open) and parallel events (by invitation)

Exhibition stands

Spread the word

Please forward this announcement to anyone you know who might like to learn more about the XIV World Forestry Congress, and help spread the word on social media with the #WFC2015 hashtag.

Preliminary information about the Congress can be found on the FAO XIV World Forestry Congress website.