International Day of the Forests

The George Washington University Institute for International Economic Policy at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs will host an event to commemorate the International Day of Forests to focus on the threats that climate change and deforestation pose to indigenous communities living in the Southern Hemisphere and the critical role these communities play in protecting vital ecosystems. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests in 2012, and the 2024 theme is forests and innovation. On the International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees.

This event brings together conservation experts and senior diplomats to encourage innovation in forest conservation in Sub-Saharan African and Latin American communities to strengthen their ties and promote cross-cultural dialogue on experiences coping with climate change.
Although the Amazon and the Congo Basin are the world’s largest remaining areas of tropical rainforests, the majority of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) nations (e.g., Bolivia, Colombia, the Equator, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela), do not have diplomatic missions in the countries that are members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) (e.g., the Central African Republic, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea). Improving diplomatic relations and cooperation will support political, economic, and social connections on crucial climate issues. Forests and innovation therefore emerge as an ideal arena for harmonizing local communities’ efforts to share best practices and unite against climate change.