Durban has been announced as the host city of the XIV World Forestry Congress, the biggest meeting of the world’s forestry sector. 

Taking place every six years under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the event is organised by the government of the host country.

The XIV World Forestry Congress, hosted by the Republic of South Africa, will bring together the global forestry community to review and analyse the key issues and to share ways of addressing them.

According to the FAO, the Congress is inclusive of people from all countries, regions and sectors including government organizations, NGOs, private companies, scientific or professional bodies, forestry societies and individuals.

The FAO is particularly keen that the 2015 event provides a platform for youth, students, professionals, women and local communities have a platform on which to voice ideas and concerns.

The congress is set to propose technical and policy approaches to boost the sustainability of the forestry industry and showcase the latest developments and innovations in global forestry, using multimedia platforms to illustrate practical applications and linkages, the FAO says. 

The venue for the congress, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), is also set to feature in the Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games.