“A meaningful decision on strengthening the International Arrangement on Forests will put us on a path towards a greener economy and a more equitable and sustainable future for all,” said Mr. Eliasson said in remarks to the Forum, which is holding its current session in New York through 15 May. “Realizing the full potential of the future arrangement will require all of us to play a role. We must all work to mobilize tangible and coordinated support, across sectors, and at all levels.”

He stressed the vital importance of the current year to providing development and life in dignity for all and explained how agreeing a new Arrangement on Forests fit in with work to adopt a universal and transformative post-2015 agenda and set of sustainable development goals, to reach a universal and meaningful agreement on climate change, and to agree on a financing framework for the future development agenda.

Available at: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50766#.VUxkmI6qqko