High-level policy dialogue on forest based emergency preparedness
High-level online policy dialogue on geopolitical forest-based emergency preparedness on 13 November 2025.
The dialogue showcase best practices and foster knowledge exchange among leading experts and high-level policymakers in response to today’s geopolitical and environmental challenges.
The purpose of the dialogue is to build a shared understanding of the role and importance of forests and forestry in times of geopolitical crisis, as it supports several critical societal functions, e.g. energy supply, food production and transport infrastructure. The overarching goal is to strengthen emergency preparedness among Forest Europe Signatories and Observers.
Insights and recommendations will be consolidated into a policy brief, providing strategic input to inform discussions among decision-makers at national and European level at the Ministerial Conference in June 2026.
Webinar recording
Programme
09:00
Introduction, by Liaison Unit Sweden
Moderators:
Fredrik Silfwerbrand, Forest Europe Liaison Unit Sweden
Alessandra Giolo, Forest Europe Liaison Unit Sweden / PhD Student on forest policy at Södertörn University.
#2
How the Russian invasion has impacted forestry and how the forest contribute to Ukraine during the crisis
Ihor Buksha, Head of Inventory, Monitoring, Certification and Forest Management Planning Department, Ukraine.
#3
How Finland and the Finnish forest industry have prepared for geopolitical crisis
Olli Anttonen, Chief of preparedness, Finnish Forest Industries Federation, Finland.
#4
Lessons learned from Sweden’s restarted work on the forest role in geopolitical preparedness
Lena Ek, Head of The Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry’s work on geopolitical preparedness, Sweden.
#5
Perspectives on what kind of expert input and knowledge are needed for decision-makers to effectively integrate the role of forests and forestry in Europe’s geopolitical preparedness agenda
Richard Stanford, Chief Executive, Forestry Commission, UK
#6
Panel discussion
All previous speakers.
#7
Questions and answers
Pose your question in the chat.
#8 ─11:30
Upcoming activities and closing of the webinar
Subject to change.
What is a High-Level Policy Dialogue?
Forest Europe develops common strategies for its 45 signatories on how to protect and sustainably manage their forests. Forest Europe created the High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) format to react to emerging issues that relate to forests and the forest-based sector.
The dialogues brings together ministers responsible for forests, high-level policymakers, high-level representatives of environmental organizations, forest managers, forest owners, researchers, and youth, creating an opportunity to encourage synergies within the pan-European region and beyond.