ECOWAS PARTICIPATES IN THE 21ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS (UNFF21)
"NEW YORK, 15th MAY 2026 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) participated in the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), held from 11 to 15 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In the course of its participation, ECOWAS delivered a statement during the General […]"
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) participated in the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), held from 11 to 15 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In the course of its participation, ECOWAS delivered a statement during the General Debate, highlighting the critical role of forests in advancing climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, food and water security, livelihoods, and regional stability in West Africa. The statement also outlined actions undertaken to tackle concerns related to forest degradation.
It underscored the alignment of ECOWAS’ normative and policy frameworks, including the Forest Convergence Plan, with the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (2017–2030). The statement reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to sustainable forest management as a key pillar of its Vision 2050.
The outcomes of UNFF21 reaffirmed the urgent need to accelerate implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests and advance achievement of the Global Forest Goals. Delegates adopted an omnibus resolution containing key recommendations on Country-Led Initiatives.
These included enhanced cooperation with partners, communication and outreach, monitoring, assessment and reporting, and the interlinkages between the Global Forest Goals and major global forest-related developments. Initial discussions were also held on the final review of the International Arrangement on Forests, as well as resourcing for the UNFF and its Secretariat.
On the margins of the Forum, the ECOWAS delegation held high-level bilateral engagements with key partners. These included meetings with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr. Qu Dongyu; Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, Ms. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo; and Global Head, Forests and Grasslands at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Mr. Chetan Kumar, among others.
"These engagements provided an opportunity to present ECOWAS’ initiatives aimed at supporting Member States in strengthening forest governance and advancing the sustainable management of forest ecosystems across the region." — ECOWAS Delegation
Discussions focused on exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration, particularly in the implementation of the revised ECOWAS Forest Convergence Plan for the Sustainable Management and Use of Forest Ecosystems in West Africa. This plan is scheduled for validation from 8 to 10 June 2026 in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.
The ECOWAS delegation to UNFF21 was led by H.E. Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations. It comprised Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment & Natural Resources, and Mrs. Esther Oyewumi, Senior Political Advisor at the ECOWAS Mission to the United Nations.
ECOWAS remains committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation and advancing regional and global efforts toward the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of forest ecosystems in West Africa.
Deep Analysis
AI Intelligence
Automated insights generated by DeepSeek-V3 based on the article content.
Key Impact
- ECOWAS attendance at UNFF21 signals West Africa's commitment to the global forest agenda, linking regional forest management with international climate and biodiversity goals.
- The adoption of an omnibus resolution at UNFF21 accelerates actions on forest monitoring, reporting, and cooperation that directly affect Ghana's forest policies.
- High-level bilateral meetings at UNFF21 secured potential partnerships for Ghanaian forest governance, including with the FAO and IUCN.
Background
- UNFF21 took place from 11 to 15 May 2026 in New York, focusing on the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (2017–2030) and progress toward Global Forest Goals.
- ECOWAS presented its Forest Convergence Plan, which aligns with the UN forest strategy and guides sustainable forest use across West Africa, including Ghana.
- The ECOWAS delegation, led by Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, included key officials from the Environment and Natural Resources Directorate.
Benefits
- Ghana can leverage ECOWAS's enhanced cooperation with partners like the FAO to access technical support and funding for forest restoration and management projects.
- The strengthened communication and outreach recommended by UNFF21 can help Ghana share its forest conservation successes, such as in the Ankasa and Kakum reserves.
- Improved monitoring and reporting frameworks from the resolution will allow Ghana to better track forest cover changes and report progress on reducing deforestation.
Risks & Warnings
- Without adequate domestic funding and political will, Ghana may not fully benefit from the international partnerships and resources discussed at UNFF21.
- The urgency to achieve Global Forest Goals could lead to rushed policies that neglect local community rights and livelihoods, especially in forest-fringe areas.
- Ghana’s ongoing challenges with illegal mining and logging could undermine the commitments made at UNFF21 if enforcement and governance are not strengthened.
Who Is Affected
- The Forestry Commission of Ghana will be directly affected as it must align national forest plans with the ECOWAS Forest Convergence Plan and UNFF recommendations.
- Smallholder farmers and cocoa growers in Ghana’s forest zones (e.g., Ashanti, Western regions) will face new regulations and potential incentives for agroforestry.
- Local communities and indigenous groups in forest areas like the Volta Region may see changes in land use and benefit-sharing schemes from new forest governance initiatives.
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