At the Congress, the IUFRO Directors’ Forum convened a sub plenary session on “Leadership for Sustainability - Overcoming Challenges in Forest Research”. 

The primary objective of this session was to provide Heads and Directors of IUFRO's member organizations with valuable insights and strategies to address the challenges faced by forest research and education institutions. Specifically, the session focused on major forest-related developments and associated policy challenges such as climate change and energy, bioeconomy, ecosystem management, and adaptation needs, as well as science communication in times of artificial intelligence. 

It was highlighted that these challenges can only be effectively addressed in an integrated manner. Operating along the science-policy interface necessitates active management and strong leadership for sustainability. Talent acquisition and retention, climate change impacts, and funding strategies were identified as the most critical challenges at the moment. Empowerment of women and youth have proven to be valuable assets in view of organisational development. Additionally, interdisciplinary approaches were seen as helping to nourish innovative thinking for strategic management.

Speakers in the session: 

Keynote Address on ‘Leadership for Sustainability’ 

• Lars Rebien Sørensen, Chairman of the Board, Novo Nordisk Foundation (Denmark)

Panel discussion: ‘Innovative approaches in leading forest research’ 

• Juliette Biao, Director, United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, and former Minster of the Environment and Conservation of Nature (Benin) 
• Johanna Buchert: President and CEO; Natural Resources Institute (LUKE), Finland
• David Lytle: Deputy Chief of Research and Development, US Forest Service

The session was moderated by Peter Mayer, Head of the Austrian Research Centre for Forests, and Coordinator of the IUFRO Directors’ Forum at the time.