2011 has been officially declared the 'International Year of Forests' by the United Nations in order to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

The UN has openly invited the world community to work together in 2011 with world governments, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to make a concerted effort to raise awareness and to strengthen conservation and sustainable development of all forests.

Various activities have been organised to celebrate the International Year and foster an exchange of strategies to promote sustainable forest practices. These activities include high-level panel discussions, film screenings, the issuance of the United Nations commemorative stamp series for the International Year, and other public events. Competitions ranging from photo, art, slogan, and essay writing are also being promoted in Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Jamaica, Lebanon, Poland and the Republic of Korea.

The United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat believes that this will be an excellent opportunity to strengthen working relationships with organisations working on forest-related issues within the United Nations system, in particular the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and with other international, regional and national partners working towards sustainable forest management.

  The official launch of the International Year of Forests will take place February 2, 2011 at United Nations headquarters (UNHQ - New York) during the ninth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.

An Internet site for the International Year of Forests has been established within the UN Forum on Forests website at www.un.org/esa/forests/2011.html

Peace Day TV is excited to support this movement bt providing a special segment during the 2011 Peace Day Global Broadcast that is dedicated to forests and trees.