About the event

Global Summit: Advancing sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches

23–25 February 2026 | Vienna, Austria | Hybrid participation

Overview

Austria is set to host the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Country and Organization-Led Initiative (COLI), the Global Summit: Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches. The gathering will bring together leaders from government, science, industry, civil society and Major Groups to drive forward innovative and inclusive bioeconomy solutions that put sustainable forest management at the core.

Hosts and co-conveners

Hosted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria, co-convened with Australia, Finland, Japan, Türkiye, FAO and the UNFF Secretariat.

Purpose

The Summit provides a strategic platform to:

• assess the current state of sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches and related trade-offs;
• define priorities to integrate science into policy, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and mobilise finance, research and innovation;
• identify concrete actions and partnerships—engaging women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and the private sector—leading to clear messages and recommendations for UNFF and FAO forums.

Link to UNFF and FAO agendas

Outcomes will inform discussions at UNFF21 (notably Global Forest Goals 1, 3 and 5), and contribute to FAO’s COFO28, in line with recent FAO Council and COFO guidance on sustainable bioeconomy.

Thematic focus

Themes include:

• From policy to practice: scaling up sustainable approaches
• Financing the future: investment and climate-resilient bioeconomy R&D
• From forest to market: securing sustainable supply for growing demand
• Forest potentials beyond wood, including non-wood products and agrifood systems
• Building the future: innovative wood solutions, carbon neutrality and R&D
• Wood, health and sound
• Diversity and rights, including gender equality and Indigenous knowledge
• Cooperation to upscale bioeconomy; circularity in value chains; communication and public engagement
  (A consolidated background paper will be shared in advance.)

Expected outcome

A concise Co-Chairs’ Summary with recommendations for submission to UNFF21 and COFO28.

Participation and contact

Registration closes October 2025. Contact the Summit organizers for participation information.