2nd African Forum on Urban Forests
Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African Cities through Urban Forests
18 – 21 March 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the City of Johannesburg, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Centre on African Public Spaces are pleased to announce that the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests will take place in Johannesburg (South Africa), from 18 to 21 March 2025.
The overall theme of the Forum is “Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African cities through Urban Forests”. It embodies a vision of sustainable development and growth for Africa’s urban areas and promotes a forward-looking perspective focused on an environmentally conscious and sustainable future.
Building upon the success of the 1st African Forum on Urban Forests (2021) and the outcomes of the 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests (2023), this forum is envisioned as an opportunity to take stock and assess the progress of urban forestry initiatives across the continent, while charting the path for future advancements.
The Forum is intended to be a technical meeting and seeks to convene key stakeholders, including representatives of local, provincial and national governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, community groups, and urban professionals across different sectors in in-depth conversations that stimulate innovative ideas, and inspire concrete actions to integrate urban forests and green spaces at the core of urban planning and development.
“We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and meaningful partnerships to conserve, preserve, restore, and expand urban forests, green spaces and nature-based solutions, ensuring they benefit all.”
Johannesburg Declaration 2025, 2nd regional African Forum on Urban Forests.
Celebrating
Wangari Maathai
The event will begin with a moving tribute to two exceptional individuals whose legacies have profoundly influenced environmental advocacy and sustainable development. On a continental scale, the late Wangari Maathai, the celebrated environmentalist and Nobel laureate, whose groundbreaking work in urban greening continues to inspire worldwide efforts to restore and preserve our natural environments. Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, recognising her dedication to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Her Green Belt Movement has planted over 51 million trees and trained more than 30,000 women in various trades. For more info download Wangari Maathai Biography.
In addition, former Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo will be recognized for his visionary leadership and significant impact on shaping the city’s sustainable development strategies. Their enduring contributions will serve as a foundation for insightful discussions on the essential role of leadership in fostering resilient communities and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. For more info download Amos Masondo Biography
Celebrating Amos Masondo
Nkosiyakhe Amos Masondo, born on 21 April 1953 in Louwsburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is a notable South African political figure known for his contributions to urban development and environmental sustainability. Raised in Soweto, his activism led to his imprisonment on Robben Island from 1975 to 1981.As Executive Mayor of Johannesburg (2000-2011), Masondo led initiatives like the Greening Soweto Legacy Project, which planted over 200,000 trees and revitalised parks in marginalised areas. This project enhanced environmental health, economic opportunities, and community engagement.His leadership earned Johannesburg international recognition, including Gold Awards at the UN LivCom Awards and the UNEP Green Award in 2008. Masondo also served as President of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and chaired South Africa’s National Council of Provinces (2019-2024). Masondo’s legacy in urban greening and environmental justice continues to inspire efforts towards a greener, more equitable world.
Organisers
Event Theme: Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African Cities through Urban Forests
Event Dates: 18 – 21 March 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Venue: The Forum The Campus
Registration is now closed as we have reached full capacity.
For more info contact: [email protected]
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