The Director’s Forum is one of the special projects and programmes of IUFRO. In this regard it shares the level of importance as the special programme for developing capacities. The Director’s Forum, co-ordinated by Dr. Konstantin von Teufel and Dr Peter Mayer brings together the Directors of Institutes and Deans of University faculties. In this regard The IUFRO Director’s Forum represents a huge source of influence regarding the future of forests and forestry. In opening the Director’s Forum in Beijing, held concurrently with the IUFRO Regional Congress for Asia and Oceania 2016, IUFRO President and FABI Director, Prof. Wingfield, said it is a great privilege to be able to welcome a group of highly influential forestry leaders to debate on the future of forest research and associated education needs.