Canada’s Forest Sector Supports New Global Network for Young Professionals

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to lend its support to the Global Network for Forestry Young Professionals (ForYP) – a new global community for young forest sector professionals to network, develop professional skills, and become empowered to engage and lead the future forestry.

Bringing together forestry networks and associations from around the world, ForYP aims to increase the visibility of young professionals in the forest sector by providing an inclusive space to share ideas and showcase contributions through online networking, monthly peer-to-peer sessions, and providing access to meaningful connections and mentors in the sector.

“As the Canadian forest sector builds its talent pipeline of the future and its leaders of tomorrow, we see incredible potential in working with young people to build relationships and pursue life-long forestry careers,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor. “We are excited about how this platform can further move the dial to forge new connections, support youth leadership, and advance green job opportunities in Canada and abroad,” Nighbor added.

ForYP was launched at the World Forestry Congress (WFC) in Seoul, South Korea in May.

“It’s been exciting to see ForYP move toward this milestone and launch at the WFC. It’s not just an opportunity for young forestry professionals to grow their network on a global scale, but also for members to gain valuable perspective and knowledge outside their regular circle,” said Lacey Rose, County Forester for the County of Renfrew, Ontario and co-Vice Chair of the inaugural ForYP Board, who attended WFC alongside other Canadian forest sector representatives. “The most rewarding part of attending WFC was meeting peers from other parts of the world, and discovering the similarities and differences in how we’re managing forests. ForYP aims to enable that kind of interaction on a wide and inclusive scale, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow,” she added.

While there are existing professional networks across the forest sector that provide useful services, ForYP aims to fill a niche by providing a sense of international community and career development opportunities for early-mid career professionals, helping this demographic grow their network and learn from one another.

By May 2023, ForYP aims to have at least 1000 international members with a diverse spread across all genders, ethnicities, geographies, and forest professions. Interested in ForYP? Register with the network on Facebook or LinkedIn, visit ForYP.org, or listen to Chairperson and Founder of ForYP, Elaine Springgay, discuss global forestry challenges and opportunities on the latest episode of the Talking Forests podcast.

About Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an Industry with annual revenues exceeding $75B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 225,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.

Contact:

Kerry Patterson-Baker – Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs – kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca – (613) 563-1441 x 314

Source: Forest Products Association of Canada