Brazil supported a statement by the G-77 that the MYPOW should have a strong focus on implementation of IPF/IFF projects, and stressed that the elements should be discussed in terms of the means of their implementation.

The United States supported the position of the G-77, and presented a proposed MYPOW with cluster topic areas for implementation.

Canada suggested guidelines for the Plan of Action (PoA), emphasizing the distinct roles of the PoA and the MYPOW and the mandate given by ECOSOC to establish a legal framework.

UNFF Vice-Chair Knut Oistad facilitated the discussion of monitoring, assessment and reporting.  In his opening remarks, Mr. Oistad drew attention to the some key questions to address, including what should be monitored and how that should take place.

Ghana stated the need for UNFF monitoring and assessment mechanisms to draw on existing instruments.

UNFF Vice-Chair Carlos Salinas (right) facilitated the discussion in this program area, with Secretariat support from Mahendra Joshi (left) and Tiina Vahanen.  

Mexico underscored the role of international trade in Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and identified finance, science and technology as areas critical to gaining developing country support. 

Bilateral consultations between Chair Mubarak and the governments that have offered to host the UNFF Secretariat have been ongoing, and informal informal consultations open to all countries took place parallel to the morning session.  A comparative analysis of the various proposals is expected to be available on Thursday.

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