The one-week long Second Asia-Pacific Forestry Week was successfully kicked off in the China National Convention Center, Beijing, China. The grand event focuses on the theme of “New Challenges – New Opportunities”, attracting over 1,000 participants from 33 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, UN organizations, more than 200 international/ regional forestry-related organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector and universities.

Starting with the children dance, the opening ceremony was chaired by Ms. Yin Hong, Vice Minister of State Forestry Administration of China. Mr. Jia Zhibang, Minister of State Forestry Administration and Mr. Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General, FAO Forestry Department delivered the addresses to welcome all the participants to Beijing and wished the full success of the event.

Mr. Qu Guilin, Executive Director of APFNet welcomed and appreciated the regional enthusiasm and participation in the event in the name of the co-organizer. He said the region’s forestry sector is at turning point of transformation, international organizations shoulder an important mission in transforming the forest management patterns, APFNet will continue its efforts to work with its members to address challenges facing forestry sector, throughcapacity building, pilot projects, information sharing and policy dialogues.

Keynote speeches were made by Mr. Andrew Steer, Special Envoy for Climate Change, the World Bank, and Mr. Tim Rollinson, Director General, Forestry Commission, Government of the United Kingdom. Ms Anggun, FAO Goodwill Ambassador, focusing how forests in the Asia Pacific region would face new challenges and opportunities.

The following Forestry Week will be composed of the 24th Session of Asia Pacific Forestry Commission, nearly 50 partner events held by international/regional organizations and entities, and special events such as booth exhibition, poster display and forestry film night to show dynamic forestry and foresters in Asia Pacific in 360 degree.