Congress Organizing Committee Remarks

The remarkable journey of hosting the IUFRO World Congress 2024 in Stockholm has been characterized by co-creation, humility and determination. The regional collaboration started already in 2010 and the Congress Organizing Committee is truly proud of the achievements, especially of the delivery during the congress week. The atmosphere was amazing, thanks to the enthusiastic partners and delegates from all over the world.

The committee is humbled by the positive response to the largest and most inclusive IUFRO World Congress ever. It represented a landmark event in global forest research, gathering 4 200 delegates from 110 countries and featured an extensive programme comprising 400 scientific sessions with 3 500 oral presentations highlighting the latest advancements in forest science. A significant achievement of the congress was its emphasis on inclusion and gender equality with the highest levels of diversity in IUFRO history with 43% women.

Regional input
The Congress Organizing Committee wish to extend its gratitude to all participants involved in outlining the pre- and post-congress excursions and the regional input to the Stockholm Congress Statement for their indispensable contributions.

Innovation stage
The concept of the Innovation stage, connecting science with practice, was brand new and made the IUFRO World Congress a unique experience. The focus was on forward-thinking solutions aligned with the theme Forest and Society Towards 2050. The stage offered unparalleled exposure in the exhibition and the chance to connect with influential stakeholders from all over the globe.

On budget
The committee consisted of delegates representing IUFRO member organizations from all the Nordic and Baltic countries, most already engaged since 2010. With its commitment, international experience, knowledge and broad networks in each country, the COC has been crucial for a successful congress. The committee has had a combined decision-making and advisory role during the bidding and the management process of the congress. With a net zero result, the Congress was on budget according to plan for 2019–2025.

Lessons learned
The committee, supported by the high-performing congress secretariat, has compiled lessons learned and key takeaways. We hope that the gathered lessons will support a smooth planning and successful execution of the next IUFRO World Congress.

Handing over from the outgoing Chair to the Incoming
Outgoing COC Chair Fredrik Ingemarson, Incoming COC Chair Jane Njuguna and Coordinator Nelly Oduor

The Future
Overall, the XXVI IUFRO World Congress 2024 in Stockholm provided an unparalleled platform for scientific exchange, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and reinforcing the role of forests in addressing global challenges. The outgoing Organizing Committee is proud and humble of the successful execution of the congress, setting a new benchmark for future IUFRO World Congresses, and look forward to the next IUFRO World Congress 2029 in Nairobi.

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Dr. Fredrik Ingemarson
Chair, Congress Organizing Committee
IUFRO World Congress 2024