The 27th session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission - 29 September to 1 October
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Hybrid Event, 29/09/2025 - 01/10/2025
©FAO
The Near East Forestry and Range Commission (NEFRC) is a statutory body of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), established to advise member countries in the Near East and North Africa region on forestry, rangeland management, and land restoration.
Established in 1954, the NEFRC proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, coinciding with FAO’s 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of global commitment to sustainable food systems, ecosystems, and rural development.
Over the past seven decades, the Commission has served as a vital platform for regional policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and technical cooperation to tackle challenges such as desertification, climate change, land degradation, and rural poverty. It convenes every two years, offering member countries and partners the opportunity to align strategies, review progress, and shape regional positions on forestry and rangeland priorities within the global development agenda.
This year’s session will be preceded by a dedicated virtual ‘Youth Day’, providing a platform for young leaders to showcase solutions, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the region’s green future. Marking the 70th anniversary of NEFRC, this Youth Day will, for the first time, conclude with the presentation of a collective recommendation from young participants to the Commission. This year’s session will also feature the 6th Near East Forestry Week, a dynamic regional forum running in parallel to the Commission, designed to engage stakeholders through technical side events, youth-led activities, innovation showcases, and cross-sectoral dialogue focused on accelerating forest and rangeland solutions in the region. The agenda will also highlight land restoration as a key priority for sustainable development, with dedicated discussions on scaling up restoration initiatives. In addition, a land Investors event will be convened to mobilize partnerships and financing opportunities to support transformative projects across the region.
Background
The 27th NEFRC will spotlight cutting-edge approaches and integrated solutions that can unlock the full potential of forests and rangelands to combat climate impacts, enhance forest and rangeland-based food systems, and support inclusive rural development.
In collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification an opening ceremony is expected on September 29, 2025.
The 27th Session will explore a range of key themes, including the linkages between forestry and other sectors such as agriculture and fisheries; integrated land restoration frameworks that contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the upcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026; and solutions to drought and desertification, with a particular focus on forest fires, invasive species, and green cities. Discussions will also highlight technological transformation, including the application of artificial intelligence and big data to support climate-resilient land systems.