With 4,200 participants from 110 countries, the Congress was the largest and most inclusive in IUFRO’s history. Under the theme Forests and Society Towards 2050, it set a new standard for scientific dialogue, innovation, and inclusivity. The Nordic and Baltic contributions, prominently featured in the Stockholm Congress Statement, highlighted the region’s leadership in forest research and management.

“The Congress was iconic,” said Daniela Kleinschmit, IUFRO’s newly elected and first female president. “Forests not only play a pivotal role for the future; forests play the pivotal role in mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future. That is why we must make science more visible and accessible to all stakeholders.”

A similar need for bold action was put forward by Herman Sundqvist, Director General at the Swedish Forest Agency. “The strategy and actions outlined in the Stockholm Congress Statement calls for our decision-makers to press the development forward. We need to support and engage our politicians to listen to science and take bold action now!”

Strengthening Science – Policy Interaction

One of the key outcomes from both the Congress and the Summary Day was the introduction of regional research networks in Europe and Africa. These networks aim to bridge the gap between science and policy by integrating regional knowledge with global assessments, providing actionable insights for decision-makers.

“Our task as a scientific community is to coordinate research findings and make them accessible to all stakeholders. I believe this is a good way to achieve alignment in forest issues based on science,” Kleinschmit explained. A core group will oversee the prioritization and implementation of activities in each region, strengthening the science-policy interface at all levels.

Adalsteinn Sigurgeirsson, Senior expert, Land and Forest Iceland, hailed the initiative. “Actions and decisions must be grounded in scientific findings. Strengthening regional collaboration will influence the European and, ultimately, global scientific agenda”.

And he was supported by Hardi Tullus, Professor from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, pointing out the “opportunity during the Congress to strengthen the science-policy interaction for the politicians and stakeholders to understand the links between regional differences, solutions and the global development”.

Dialogue and Trust – Keys to Progress

Throughout the discussions, the need for enhanced dialogue and collaboration emerged as a recurring theme. Ritva Toivonen, Dean at the University of Helsinki, emphasized the importance of breaking down silos and fostering trust in science.

Mathias Mellgren Helge, Public Relations Manager for the Swedish Outdoor Association was impressed by the extensive scope of the Congress, and believed “the dialogues at the Congress between scientists, stakeholders and politicians helps fostering trust and to get forest higher up on the political agenda. It is clear that forest products and services have the solutions for many of the challenges that the world faces today and in the future”.

“We need research to build sustainable and climate-resilient societies, but this requires a dialogue beyond research, inviting other stakeholders to the table. The polarized debate in forestry must end. If we don’t collaborate better, we cannot find sustainable solutions that meet economic, societal, and ecological demands,” Toivonen said.

Anna Ylä-Antilla, Director of FSC Finland, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of future consensus among stakeholders to balance forests’ economic, social, and ecological values. “Without consensus, it will be hard to achieve sustainability recognised by all parties,” she remarked.

Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

The Summary Day also underscored the transformative potential of innovation in forestry. Olle Gelin, CEO of Airforestry, advocated for bold thinking in forest management practices.

“Innovations should not only improve existing methods but also break new ground. Current mind-sets often slow down necessary initiatives, and this must change,” Gelin said, pointing to the need for pioneering solutions to address mismanaged forests globally.

The Innovation Stage was a part of the Congress exhibition area, presenting innovative products and systems. It was put forward as a good example on how to bring science to society.

Joel Lindblom, Chair of the Student Union posted that “the Congress concept provided valuable networking opportunities, particularly through the Innovation stage, were students were involved in the dialogues showing NextGens perspectives, which inspired us to embrace forestry’s future potential”.

Anders Portin, from SLC – Union of Swedish-speaking Agricultural Producers in Finland pointed out the importance to bring stakeholders outside research to the Congress. “The Innovation Stage also provided an opportunity for start-ups to present innovations for global stakeholders and scientists, while the product is not yet ready for a market launch”, he said.

Interdisciplinary Communication

Sigurgeirsson showcases that new research strengthens forests’ importance. “A recent study shows we’ve undervalued forests’ carbon sequestration by 30%. This emphasizes forests’ dual role-carbon storage and sustainable products-critical for climate change mitigation”.

Hans Fredrik Hoen, Professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, concluded that forestry faces a communication challenge. “Sustainable management has been part of forestry for centuries, but we struggle to share this narrative effectively. While environmental crises dominate headlines, the forestry sector must communicate its role in renewable resource management to a broader public”.

Karin Fällman, Head of Sustainability at the Swedish Foundation Skogssällskapet high-lighted the value of the Congress. “It underscored the importance of collaboration-connecting researchers and practitioners globally. For example, one of our congress excursions brought together a fourth of our staff with international experts, which had immense value. Regional and global collaboration – whether at the EU, UN, or local level – is essential to tackle challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss”.

“Collaboration is also central to FSC’s work”, said Anna Ylä-Anttila, Director, FSC Finland. “We unite environmental, social, and economic stakeholders equally. However, the role of NGOs deserves more attention – especially their contributions to forestry discussions. One concern I see is the shift toward short-term, results-oriented research. While necessary, this shouldn’t replace forward-looking, interdisciplinary dialogue. Forums like IUFRO are ideal for bridging diverse perspectives-science, civil society, and business”.