IUFRO Establishes New Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are vital to the global science community and fundamental to IUFRO's overall mission of advancing forest science for the benefit of all. 

In response to the growing organizational and societal demand for DEI, and to advance the goals of IUFRO's Strategy, the IUFRO Management Committee recommended in 2023 to form the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. This new committee builds on insights gained from the work of the IUFRO Task Force on Gender Equality in Forestry and expands our focus to encompass broader issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the IUFRO network.

The IUFRO DEI Committee aims to promote DEI principles throughout IUFRO's management, operations, and programs. The Committee works to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every member, officeholder and stakeholder feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives in pursuit of IUFRO's vision, mission and goals. 

The committee started its work in September 2024 and will operate for a term of 5 years subject to a potential extension. Chaired by the IUFRO Vice-President Woodam Chung and represented by a diverse group of members, the committee plans to develop strategies, best practices and measures to implement DEI principles across all IUFRO activities. The establishment of the committee marks an important milestone in IUFRO's efforts to underscore the importance of DEI and integrate DEI aspects into its global work.
 

By Carola Egger, Project and Partnership Manager, IUFRO HQ
 

Also, read this blog published by the International Science Council (ISC): 
Making science accessible is a matter of human rights: A scientist's call for inclusion