Welcome to the seminar Forests and development - Building on Finnish expertise on 2.4.2024!

In this seminar we will discuss the role and opportunities of Finnish forest expertise in the international arena. We will hear topical information and perspectives from both Finnish and international actors.

At the end of the seminar there will be an opportunity for a joint discussion. The seminar will be held in English.

The seminar is organized in contribution with The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Keskitie Foundation, The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Siemenpuu-foundation and Fingo.

Register for the online seminar here.

SEMINAR PROGRAM at 13:30 – 16:30 (Helsinki, UTC+3) 

What forestry knowledge and expertise are needed in the future? How Finnish forestry expertise can be efficiently used in the development cooperation and international field? 

13:30 Opening – Marko Mäki-Hakola, Forest Director/MTK Presentation – Finnish forest/forestry knowledge  

13:45 Dr. Matti Nummelin, Chair of IUCN Finland Presentations of forest initiatives, Siemenpuu 

International institutes and organizations: perspectives and cooperation

14:00 Tuukka Castrén - Senior Forestry Specialist, World Bank  

14:15 Zhimin Wu – Forest director, FAO

14:30 Tobias Gräs - Green Climate Fund (GCF), Senior Consultant, DAFC

14:45 Ellen Bruzelius Backer – Policy Director - Environmental Integrity, The Government of Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative, Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment

15:00 Coffee break 

15:15 Group discussion: Discussion, reflecting on key priorities to improve government program

16:00 Conclusion

16:20 Final words: Vesa Kaarakka, Senior Advisor, Development Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

The seminar ends

Welcome!