Panama City, 27 October 2025 — The 61st session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC61) opened today in Panama City, Panama, with calls for strengthened collaboration between producer and consumer members and renewed commitment to promoting sustainable forest management and diversifying trade in sustainably produced timber and forest products.

Council Chairperson Mr Carlos Espinosa Peña (Panama) welcomed delegates, noting the symbolic significance of meeting in Panama—a biodiversity hotspot and a bridge between two hemispheres. 

“Panama, a bridge of the world, can also be a bridge between producers and consumers as they undertake discussions on the role and mandate of ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization),” he said. He emphasized that tropical forests are central to addressing global environmental challenges and urged members to engage in constructive dialogue during the week-long session.

“No hay desarrollo forestal sin inclusión social, ni sostenibilidad sin equidad (There is no forest development without social inclusion, nor sustainability without equity),” said Mr Espinosa Peña, reaffirming that social inclusion is fundamental to forest development and sustainability.

He highlighted the opportunity to advance discussions on the negotiation of the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) and the need to reflect new realities in trade, sustainability, and green finance. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Government of Panama for its hospitality and to all partners supporting ITTO’s mission.

ITTO Executive Director stresses collaboration and global impact

Ms Sheam Satkuru, Executive Director of ITTO, warmly welcomed delegates and dignitaries and thanked all members who had paid their assessed contributions and donor governments supporting ITTO’s work.

While operating in very challenging global circumstances, she asserted the importance of all members supporting the ITTO’s mandate, including enticing members to continue supporting the ITTO’s mission, from which many members had benefited immensely. 

She reminded participants of the Organization’s vital role in highlighting the contributions of tropical forests to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which contribute to addressing the triple planetary crisis. 

“Almost all 17 SDGs are touched by forests and people in some way,” Ms Satkuru said. “We must also remember the roles of local communities and those that depend on the forests for their livelihoods.”

She expressed optimism for a productive week of deliberations, underlining the importance of collaboration in approving the decisions needed to continue ITTO’s work into 2026.

Costa Rica underscores benefits of ITTO cooperation

Hon. Mr Jorge Rodríguez Zúñiga, Vice-Minister of Environment and Energy (Costa Rica), reaffirmed his country’s long-standing partnership with ITTO. He cited numerous projects that have advanced sustainable forest management (SFM) and strengthened local capacities.

“Costa Rica has demonstrated that conservation can coexist with sustainable production,” he said. “Thanks to ITTO’s support, we have developed emblematic projects that contribute to the sustainable management of tropical forests, strengthen the forest value chain, and promote innovation and local participation.”

He highlighted Costa Rica’s 2050 decarbonization strategy, emphasizing the importance of engaging the private sector, academia, and local governments. “Only through an articulated and multisectoral model can we consolidate a strong forest industry that promotes innovation and community well-being,” he said.

Peru reaffirms commitment to ITTO

H.E. Mr. Roberto Seminario Portocarrero, Ambassador of Peru to Japan, acknowledged ITTO’s pivotal role in balancing trade and conservation. “ITTO is an essential mechanism that harmonizes the economic and environmental objectives of its member countries,” Mr Portocarro said.

He noted that Peru has successfully implemented more than 60 ITTO-funded projects, significantly contributing to forest conservation and sustainable development. Peru presented three new projects at ITTC-61, including initiatives on industrial strengthening, experimental mahogany plantations, and silvicultural models for forest restoration.

“We trust that this Council will secure the financing needed for these vital projects,” he said, inviting all members to the World Forestry Congress 2027, to be held in Peru.

Indonesia calls for a forward-looking ITTA

H.E. Mr. Hendra Halim, Ambassador of Indonesia to Panama, stressed the need for the renewed ITTA to align with current global challenges and opportunities.

“The new agreement must be forward-looking, enabling member countries to maximize the benefits of sustainable forest management and trade in tropical timber,” he said.

He reaffirmed Indonesia’s long-term support for ITTO and its commitment to promoting the sustainable utilization of tropical forests for economic, ecological, and social benefits.

Panama highlights national leadership and global responsibility

In his welcoming address, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of the Environment of Panama, welcomed delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Panama.

“Life as we know it on Earth is quickly becoming a lesson from the past,” he warned. “Tropical forests are one of the last frontiers to sustain biodiversity and life on our planet.”

Mr Navarro noted that Panama is now a carbon-negative country, having protected 35% of its land area and 54% of its marine jurisdiction, underscoring the nation’s leadership in environmental stewardship.

“If we are to guarantee the future of tropical forests, each of our nations must assume our national responsibility,” he said. “Panama considers ITTO irreplaceable and commits itself to working productively with the Organization and its members.”

He outlined Panama’s “1-2-3” approach for advancing sustainability: immediate on-the-ground action, establishment of the Panama Nature Fund, and an international pledge to strengthen global environmental cooperation.

Council matters

On its first day, the Council addressed agenda items related to the negotiation of a new ITTA, the Organization's financial health, members’ contributions, and opportunities to access financing through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund. 

Committees on Finance and Administration and on Economics, Statistics and Markets/Forest Industry convened in the afternoon.

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More information on the Council session, including presentations, is available at: https://www.itto.int/ittc-61/presentations

Daily coverage by IISD Reporting Services: https://enb.iisd.org/ittc61-international-tropical-timber-council