Contributed by: Nolie Molina, Fellowship Official
Organized as part of the 2025 AFoCO Week, the Thirteenth (13th) Session of the Assembly of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) was held at the DMC Hall, KBiz DMC Tower, Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 29–30 October 2025.
The Assembly was physically attended by the Parties — Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam — as well as Singapore as an Observer, distinguished partners and collaborators, and the Secretariat.
Held alongside the Third (3rd) Friends of Asia and Asian Forests (FAAF) Forum and the official launching of the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative, the Thirteenth Session included discussions on AFoCO’s engagement with partner organizations and cooperating agencies, private sector engagement and blended finance, assessment of the Strategic Plan (2024–2030), and institutional accreditation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF).
The Session was presided over by Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting from the Philippines as the incumbent President.
In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of stronger commitment, support, and collective effort from all Parties, Observers, and Partners for AFoCO’s continued growth and success.
He expressed his appreciation to the Executive Director, Dr. Park Chongho, and the AFoCO Secretariat for their dedicated preparation and arrangements for the 2025 AFoCO Week.
Dr. Oupakone Alounsavath from the Lao PDR, serving as Vice President, also conveyed his gratitude to all participants and wished for fruitful discussions.
The Executive Director, Dr. Park Chongho, highlighted AFoCO’s notable progress and achievements, including successful initiatives and projects with private sector partners and collaborators.
He also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and extended his sincere gratitude to the Assembly for its trust and collective efforts toward achieving greener milestones and solidifying AFoCO’s role as a key regional and global forestry organization.
The agenda covered: Promotion of Membership Relations; Updates on the Implementation of Projects; Development and Approval of Projects; Evaluation of AFoCO Projects and Updates on the Evaluation Scheme; Updates on the Progress of Activities under the AFoCO Climate Action Plan; Updates on the Blended Financing Mechanism; Updates on the GCF Accreditation and the AF Accreditation; and Approval of Policies and Regulations.
The Secretariat provided updates on AFoCO’s engagement with partner organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as its cooperation with partner countries in line with the Strategic Plan (2024–2030) and ongoing programmatic priorities.
The Secretariat also shared progress under the Friends of Asia and Asian Forests (FAAF) platform and related collaboration with private sector partners through projects and donation activities implemented under the Climate Action Matchmaking Platform (CAMP).
Following the adoption of the AFoCO Strategic Plan (2024–2030), the Secretariat developed a Resource Mobilization Outlook to secure funding from external partners.
In this regard, the Assembly tasked the Secretariat to monitor and evaluate its implementation and to provide periodic reports.
The Assembly also highlighted the development of the Climate Forest Cooperation Framework (CFCF) as a strategic instrument to enhance the effectiveness of AFoCO’s climate-related forest initiatives.
In addition, initiatives under the Climate Action Plan (2025–2034) — including the Asian Forest Living Lab Initiative, Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA), Landscape Partnership Asia (LPA), AFoCO Mangrove Initiative, and REDD+ Readiness Initiative — were discussed.
The Secretariat presented the methodology for assessing the Strategic Plan (2024–2030), including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), key activities, and targets under each Program Priority Area (PPA).
The Assembly also approved nine (9) new projects to be implemented in nine (9) Member Countries, aligned with AFoCO’s Program Priority Areas (PPAs) and Cross-Cutting Themes (CCTs).
The delegates also visited the AFoCO Garden in Boramae Park, which symbolizes cultural exchange and cooperation among Member Countries.
Next Steps: The Secretariat will finalize the structure and operational design of the blended financing mechanism to support AFoCO’s operations and mobilize public–private sector contributions for nature-based solutions (NbS) toward a greener Asia.
AFoCO will also continue to pursue institutional accreditation with the GCF and AF to expand its impact through global climate financing mechanisms.
Through the continued engagement, contribution, and support of Member Countries and partners, AFoCO reaffirms its commitment to regional forest cooperation, sustainable forest management, and climate action in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2025 AFoCO Week concluded as a testament to AFoCO’s expanding membership, influence, and momentum. Step by step, AFoCO will continue to advance its shared vision for sustainable forest management and a greener Asia.