Highlights and images for 14 May 2026

On the fourth day of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF21), delegates attempted to wrap up negotiations on UNFF21’s omnibus resolution. Talks focused on resolving outstanding disagreements in the sections dealing with, among others, means of implementation, interlinkages of the Global Forest Goals (GFGs) and major global forest-related developments, and resources for the Secretariat.

Want to dig deeper into today's talks? Read the full Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily report.

Delegates struggled with longstanding disputes over phrasing regarding:

• mobilization of resources – from what sources and at what levels (national, international);
• halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation;
• technology transfer; and
• Indigenous People and local communities

​​​They also considered how to refer to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility.

Regarding interlinkages, delegates sought to produce compromise language on:

• how to refer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 30) Presidency initiative to advance the Roadmap on Halting and Reversing Deforestation and Forest Degradation by 2030;
• a paragraph welcoming efforts under the UNFCCC COP 30 Action Agenda;
• whether to have forest pavilions or events at climate COPs and/or the COPs of the conventions on biodiversity and desertification; and
• text promoting the UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation 2027-2036.

As for resources for the Secretariat, delegates sought to devise language that calls for ensuring adequate resources for the UNFF Secretariat to realize its mandate but does not conflict with the UN80 initiative to cut UN spending and improve efficiency.

To resolve most of these issues, a small informal group was formed, facilitated by Brazil and the European Union, which met during the afternoon. The group produced compromise language on some issues and developed alternative paragraphs on each outstanding issue for the Bureau to consider.

When plenary convened to consider the status of negotiations on the omnibus resolution, Chair Ismail Belen (Türkiye) told Forum members that the Bureau would work out “bridging text” overnight for all outstanding issues and circulate a final text by email for approval on Friday morning. Members questioned whether the text would be considered take-it-or-leave-it or could be further revised. The Secretariat explained that since the UN Headquarters is requiring the Forum to conclude by 1:00 pm on Friday, there will not be sufficient time for major renegotiation of text.