Malaysia calls for UN forest forum to become binding convention boosting global conservation commitment
PUTRAJAYA, May 12 — 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), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, from May 5 to 9.
The Malaysian delegation was led by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo A/L Kim.
In a statement, NRES 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, Malaysia also shared its views and input in line with NRES aspirations, particularly its efforts to maintain forest cover, which currently stands at 54.31 per cent of the country's total land area.
Malaysia also emphasised the importance of implementing land-use policies such as the National Forestry Policy (DPM) and the National Policy on Biological Diversity (DKBK) 2022–2030.
The country further highlighted the need to support the forestry sector through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial assistance for developing nations.
In addition, Malaysia 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 (KMGBF).
'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 said.
The UNFF serves as a platform for policy development, especially in implementing sustainable forest management (SFM), 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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