Global Summit on Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches

The Government of Austria is hosting the summit from 23 to 25 February 2026 at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna (hybrid format), as part of a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests. The event is embedded in a broader Country- and Organization-Led Initiative (COLI) process and will bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, researchers, and international organizations to assess the current state of sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches worldwide, define key priorities, and identify strategic actions to enhance the forest-based bioeconomy.

The program includes a high-level session, business talk, and science talk, fostering dialogue across policy, industry, and research. The outcomes of the summit will contribute to discussions at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) and the 28th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Committee on Forestry (COFO28).

During the science talk, Schellnhuber will provide scientific insights on the role of forests in advancing carbon neutrality, material substitution, biodiversity conservation, and socioeconomic benefits, highlighting the importance of integrating Earth system science and sustainability research into global forest-based bioeconomy strategies.

Kraxner, in turn, will contribute expertise on sustainable forest-based value chains and science-policy integration. His work on land-use systems and bioeconomy pathways aligns closely with the summit’s objective to balance environmental integrity, economic viability, and social inclusiveness in advancing sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches.

Visit the official Global Summit on Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches website for further information and the full program.