The event began with an Indigenous ceremony led by an Indigenous Guna leader, Briseida Iglesias, who invoked gratitude to Mother Earth and emphasized balance and respect for nature. “Mother Earth never abandons us,” she said. “We are children of the Earth.”
After a traditional Guna dance performed by Indigenous youth, Briseida presented molas, traditional and symbolic fabric made by Guna women, to FSC Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee and to the FSC Board Chair Stuart Valintine. The symbolism of these molas emphasized the fact that we are all on the same Earth.
Next, Panama’s Minister of Environment, His Excellency Mr. Juan Carlos Navarro, announced the country’s plan to formalize FSC certification across Indigenous territories, a milestone in national environmental policy. 174,000 hectares are in process of being certified today in Panama. “Stop blaming the FSC,” he stated. “Each of us must in our own countries guarantee sustainable development and guarantee with our actions, our strength and our passion, the survival of life around us.”
FSC Board Chair Stuart Valentine provided a business report from the Board, reflecting on FSC’s new leadership, governance and strategic priorities, and what is coming in the future – including a new Global Strategy, revision of FSC’s Principles and Criteria, incorporation of risk-based approaches, and increased demonstration of FSC’s impact.
“There is one thing that brings us all into one room today, and that is FSC,” Stu said. “The global challenges are much bigger than FSC, we cannot face them alone. So, we need to look at what can we do as FSC and who do we need collaborate with.”
Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee began her remarks with a reflection: “In these turbulent times, FSC's mission of responsible forest management is more relevant than ever before. In a time of polarisation, FSC’s values of democracy, solidarity, and stewardship are just as relevant.”
Subhra delivered a business report from FSC, sharing progress over the past three years. FSC has strengthened its global systems and transparency, delivered key projects such as the Climate and Biodiversity Framework, FSC Trace, and the Risk Hub, and reinforced its operational foundations. Looking ahead, FSC remains committed to integrity, predictability, and measurable climate and biodiversity outcomes, advancing stewardship through partnerships and expanded national standards worldwide.
Janne Näräkkä, Treasurer of the Board and Economic North member, shared financial reports, revealing six consecutive years of surplus.
Members appointed John Ramsey as presiding officer and approved the week’s agenda. The session concluded with the presentation of electoral committee, setting the stage for policy and motion discussions later in the week.
The opening of the General Assembly set a tone of dedication, unity, and shared purpose to shape the future of responsible forestry.