In the era of deepening globalization today, ecological conservation and sustainable development have become vital forces in driving social progress. Under this background, the 60th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC60) started on December 2, 2024, in Yokohama, Japan.

During the five-day conference, member countries, industry representatives, and civil society members will engage in in-depth exchanges on topics such as promoting the implementation of sustainable management of tropical forests, enhancing the role of timber trade in global climate and biodiversity, and supporting communities that rely on forest resources. Through international cooperation and experience sharing, the conference aims to cope with the challenges faced by the global timber industry, and to formulate policies and actions that balance environmental protection with economic growth.

Leaders from many international organizations and governments attended the opening ceremony, such as Ms. Anna Tyler (Chair of the 60th session of ITTC), Mr. Takinami Hirofumi (State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan), Ms. Sheam Satkuru (Executive Director of International Tropical Timber Organization), Mr. Yamanaka Takeharu (Mayor of Yokohama City), Mr. Jorge Rodriguez Zuniga (Vice-minister of the Environment in Costa Rica), Mr. Roberto Seminario Portocarrero (Ambassador of Peru to Japan), Mr. Haji Len Talif Salleh (Deputy State Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment in Sarawak, Malaysia), and Dr. Gerhard Breulmann (Director of Operations of International Tropical Timber Organization).

Ms. Anna Tyler, Chair of the 60th session of ITTC

In her opening speech, Ms. Anna Tyler said the ever-increasing pressures and challenges on biodiversity, natural resources and the environment, as well as increasing political tensions globally, highlight the need, but also the opportunity, for member countries to come together here around common purpose. She also encouraged members of International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) to present a united front, and to focus on the crucial importance of sustainably managed tropical forests and the role ITTO can play.

Mr. Takinami Hirofumi of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan

Following the chair, members of the presidium delivered speeches. Mr. Takinami Hirofumi, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, said, “to achieve the goal of halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030 set out in the 2021 Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, ITTO is expected to play an even more important role now and in the future as the only international organization responsible for the sustainable management of tropical forests and the legal use of tropical timber.”

Mr. Yamanaka Takeharu, Mayor of Yokohama City

Mr. Yamanaka Takeharu, Mayor of Yokohama City, told delegates that ITTO and the City of Yokohama have worked closely together for more than 30 years, and the relationship is valuable for Yokohama to create a sustainable and greener society aimed at achieving a net-zero, nature-positive and circular economy.

Mr. Jorge Rodriguez Zuniga, Vice-minister of the Environment in Costa Rica

Mr. Jorge Rodriguez Zuniga, Vice-minister of the Environment in Costa Rica, said climate change and biodiversity loss require a collective response based on international cooperation and responsible trade. “ITTO is a key partner in this effort, and together we can ensure that tropical forests continue to be a source of life, employment and wellbeing for present and future generations,” he said. He also called on ITTO members to strengthen their commitment to good practices to ensure that international trade in tropical timber becomes a driver of sustainability and equitable development.

Mr. Haji Len Talif Salleh, Deputy State Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment in Sarawak, Malaysia

Mr. Haji Len Talif Salleh, Deputy State Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment in Sarawak, Malaysia, outlined the long-term support ITTO has provided to Sarawak in its efforts towards sustainable forest management and sustainable development. He described initiatives the government is undertaking to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, promote sustainability and diversity its economy towards carbon neutrality.

H.E. Mr. Roberto Seminario Portocarrero, Ambassador of Peru to Japan

Mr. Roberto Seminario Portocarrero, Ambassador of Peru to Japan, outlined Peru’s historical involvement in ITTO and the value of the Organization in supporting Peru’s efforts on sustainable forestry. “We are convinced of the valuable work that ITTO has been doing, financing projects that prioritize sustainable forest management and the promotion of legal and sustainable supply chains,” Mr. Seminario said. 

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru

In her statement to the Council, ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru said the Organization continued to strive towards its objectives. “A lot has been achieved in the last 38 years, but there is still a lot more that can be done,” she said. “It is only together that this will happen. We need to tackle the problems together and stand as one.”