On 6 and 7 March, the International Conference on Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests was successfully held in Sarawak, Malaysia. The international conference was hosted by the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and co-organized by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and WWF-Malaysia, with support of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). The conference provided a platform for international and Malaysian experts, practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to exchange information and further explore the inseparable relationship between forestry and sustainable development. At the invitation of the Sarawak Timber Association, representatives of the Secretariat of Global Green Supply Chains Initiative (GGSC) attended the conference, where the GGSC representatives had in-depth exchanges with international organizations, representatives of the Malaysian government, entrepreneurs and experts from various countries, and promoted the GTI project and the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF).

During the conference, Ms. Sheam Satkuru, Executive Director of the International Tropical Timber Organization, delivered a keynote address entitled "Sustainable Tropical Forestry, Supply Chains and Investment – a Pathway for a Sustainable Future". In her presentation, she highlighted the significant changes in global tropical timber production, consumption and trade, and the implications of these changes for sustainable forest management. In addition, she expounded on the potential of sustainable tropical forestry in improving livelihoods, preserving forests, and providing multiple benefits.

In addition, Dr. Yuan Bing, Chairman of the Global Green Supply Chain of Forest Products (Macao) Federation, delivered a speech titled "Green Finance for Sustainable Forest Management in Asia". He stated that the forest products industry has strong positive externalities compared with other industries, however, relevant financing and payments for environmental services are not enough. As a result, a significant portion of the costs incurred in fulfilling the social responsibilities are borne by the private sector itself, which constrains the ability of small and medium-sized forestry enterprises to enhance their sustainable development capabilities. Therefore, it is essential to continuously introduce green finance to turn corporate social and environmental responsibility into a competitive advantage. During his speech, he elaborated on how to promote green finance for sustainable forest management in Asia.