Latest Global Forest Goals Report 2026 reveals progress, but not at scale needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
Findings show that investing in forests can generate multiple gains — from climate resilience and ecosystem restoration to livelihoods, food security and sustainable development
New York, 11 May 2026 — With less than five years remaining to 2030—and forests, a key driver of climate resilience, livelihoods and food security, under threat— the United Nations today launched The Global Forest Goals Report 2026, calling for forests to remain at the centre of policy and investment decisions.
The report provides the most up-to-date global assessment of progress towards implementing the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 and its six Global Forest Goals. Its release comes at a pivotal moment, as forests are increasingly recognized as central to delivering the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the global climate agenda and biodiversity commitments.
Based on voluntary national reports submitted by 48 countries representing 51 per cent of the global forest area and informed by the latest global data, the report shows that progress is being made, but not at the pace or scale required to achieve the Goals by 2030.
Global forest area declined by more than 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025, while financing for sustainable forest management remains far below estimated needs. At the same time, countries are advancing reforms, expanding restoration efforts, strengthening forest governance and scaling up cooperation.
“Forests are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, from climate action and biodiversity conservation to food security and resilient livelihoods,” said Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “Investing in forests is investing in climate stability, resilient economies and the well-being of present and future generations.”
The report outlines pathways for accelerating action, including halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, expanding protected and sustainably managed forests, strengthening forest-related governance, closing the financing gap for sustainable forest management and advancing innovative financing mechanisms.
“As 2030 approaches, the challenge is no longer only to recognize the value of forests but to scale implementation at the speed required,” said Juliette Biao, Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “Strengthening political commitment, financing and cross-sector coordination will determine whether the Global Forest Goals can be achieved.”
Among its findings, the report notes that:
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Progress is uneven, with gains in protected areas, long-term forest management plans and forest-related monitoring systems;
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Seven of the 26 targets are broadly met, 17 are partially achieved, and two are off track, reversing forest loss and eradicating extreme poverty for forest-dependent people;
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Pressures from land-use change, climate impacts, wildfires, pests and illegal activities continue to threaten forests in many regions;
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Innovative financing, stronger institutions and cross-sectoral cooperation are essential to scale implementation; and
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National leadership and community-driven solutions demonstrate that progress can be accelerated when ambition is matched by action.
The launch of the report marked the opening day of twenty-first session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at United Nations Headquarters, where Member States and partners are meeting to advance implementation of the Global Forest Goals.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 is available at: https://forests.desa.un.org/documents/global-forest-goals-report-2026
Media contacts:
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Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications | E: birchs@un.org
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Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs | E: rosengrenh@un.org
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Tomasz Juszczak, UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs | E:zczakt@un.org
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Daniela Sinobad, UN Forum on Forests Secretariat UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs | E: sinobad@un.org
