With the world focused on COVID-19, global economic shocks, and climate change, UNFF16 met to remind the world that forests provide multiple socio-economic and environmental services and can help address these crises.

The 59th Meeting of the GEF Council took place from 7-11 December 2020 as a virtual event, in line with continued health and safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) and the Associated Sessions of its four Committees will meet virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This event, timed to coincide with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, will launch a scientific assessment report and an associated policy brief addressing the relationship between forests, trees, and poverty, as well as the roles of forests and trees in poverty reduction.