Opening Ceremony
The IUFRO World Congress 2024, themed Forest and Society Towards 2050, was inaugurated on 24 June with a distinguished Opening Ceremony. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, joined by government officials, international dignitaries, leading scientists, and experts in forestry and rural affairs, emphasized the pivotal importance of science-policy collaboration in tackling global environmental and resource management challenges.
The opening ceremony was characterized by the message that forests are intrinsically linked to societal development and are deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of the Nordic host region. Future challenges are met through cutting-edge research, collaborative innovations, and the co-creation of sustainable solutions.
His Majesty the King of Sweden
The programme was graciously led by the Master of Ceremonies, in collaboration with the Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee (COC). Distinguished speakers included His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden; the Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs; the Chair of the COC; the President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO); the Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU); the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management of Austria; the President of the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA); the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); and the Chief Executive Officer and Director-General of CIFOR-ICRAF.
Highlights of the Opening Ceremony
- Inaugural addresses, including a speech by His Majesty the King of Sweden
- Ceremonial raising of the IUFRO flag
- Acknowledgement of the Congress Organizing Committee
- Presentation of the Host Country Awards
- Performances by traditional Swedish folk musicians and dancers
- Preview of the congress programme ahead
Apparently, there was a longing to meet in person on site in Stockholm. The Opening Ceremony of the Congress took place on Monday, 24 June, from 08:30 to 10:30, in the distinguished Victoria Hall at the Stockholmsmässan Exhibition & Congress Centre. With a full capacity of 2,000 seated guests, the hall was entirely occupied with an amazing atmosphere and great expectations for the coming week. The proceedings were also recorded and streamed live to an adjacent hall accommodating 850 seats.
In a solemn moment, the IUFRO flag was ceremoniously raised by students of SLU, under the supervision of the Chairs of the Congress Organizing and Scientific Committees. The Congress Organizing Committee received formal recognition for their exceptional efforts, acknowledged on stage before the assembled audience.
A particular highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Host Country Awards, which honoured three eminent scientists from the Baltic and Nordic regions. The recipients were:
- Professor Algirdas Augustaitis, Lithuania
- Professor Liisa Tyrväinen, Finland
- Professor Jan Stenlid, Sweden
Future developments
Throughout the event, guests were treated to captivating performances by Swedish folk musicians and dancers, adding a cultural flourish to the occasion. The ceremony concluded with an overview of the key events and themes of the congress week, offering participants a glimpse into the important discussions and engagements to follow. The congress week was compared to a fountain with a constant flow of knowledge about challenges, solutions and possible future developments.
| PROGRAMME OPENING | ||
|---|---|---|
| IUFRO flag | Raise of flag | SLU Students Association Chairs of COC and CSC |
| Opening address | Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee (COC) HM The King of Sweden President IUFRO Minister for Rural Affairs, Sweden Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Finland Vice-Chancellor of the host organisation, SLU Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, Austria | Fredrik Ingemarson HM The King Carl XVI Gustaf John Parrotta Peter Kullgren Sari Essayah Maria Knutson Wedel Norbert Totschnig |
| Messages from other Dignitaries | President, International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Chief Executive Officer, CIFOR-ICRAF and Director General at ICRAF | Isabelle Claire Dela Paz Qu Dongyu Éliane Ubalijoro |
| Host Country Scientific Award | President IUFRO Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee (COC) COC on stage Awardees | John Parrotta Fredrik Ingemarson COC members Algirdas Augustaitis, Lithuania Liisa Tyrväinen, Finland Jan Stenlid, Sweden |
| Closing remarks | COC Chair | Fredrik Ingemarson |
