The third session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-3) begins today at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 500 representatives of governments, UN agencies, international organizations, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and business and industry, are expected to attend this two-week gathering.

During the first week, the Plenary will address a variety of issues, including the UNFF's intersessional work and ad hoc expert groups, as well as enhanced cooperation and policy and programme coordination, and the economic aspects of forests. A multi-stakeholder dialogue will also take place, providing an opportunity for civil society to engage in discussions with governments and intergovernmental agencies on forest management issues. Two working groups will also convene during the two-week meeting. Working Group I will consider proposals for maintaining forest cover to meet present and future needs, and the format for reporting implementation, while Working Group II is expected to devote its energies to negotiating proposals on forest health and productivity, and enhanced cooperation among other international organizations. Informal consultations may also be held during UNFF-3's second week to address any issues not taken up by the working groups.