Dear FSC members and observers of the FSC General Assembly
On behalf of the FSC International Board of Directors, I welcome you to our long-awaited FSC General Assembly 2022. We have waited in great anticipation for almost five years to come together in-person, and are delighted that we can finally make it possible.
This General Assembly is the result of the changes the world has experienced in the last two years; our organization's dynamics and our ability to adapt to the changing realities regarding engagement and dialogue will be proven during this week.
Over the last three years, to keep our membership meaningfully engaged and connected, FSC has hosted an extensive digital membership engagement program. These opportunities to engage, have been welcomed and supported by outstanding participation from the membership, and more than ever before, we believe the membership is well informed of what each motion proposes. This is, in fact, an example of the tremendous commitment of the membership to FSC's mission.
For the first time, we are using a hybrid format for the General Assembly, which we hope will allow more opportunity for participation from our members worldwide. It will strengthen the power of the General Assembly: the power of the dialogue in front of conflicting or challenging positions with the highest aim of demonstrating the value and benefits of forest stewardship.
As the world changes rapidly, FSC needs to adapt even faster. This General Assembly will demonstrate how committed we are to making informed decisions together with our members to shape and generate quicker, responsible solutions for resilient forests, social justice and the challenges of climate change. We are confident that the FSC General Assembly is ready to set the direction to strengthen FSC's relevance in front of the current challenges our planet is facing.
The Board of Directors welcomes engagement from members during and after the General Assembly and looks forward to being attentive to your ideas, proposals, and concerns to follow the General Assembly mandate.
Thank you for joining us and we look forward to shaping solutions together with you.
With my best wishes,
Zandra Martinez, FSC International Board of Directors Chair