The XXV IUFRO 2019 World Congress was officially closed on 5 October with a new President at the helm to lead IUFRO through the next five years. Professor Mike Wingfield, who had held the Presidency for the past five years, welcomed the new President, Dr John Parrotta and ceremonially handed over the Organisation’s gavel which was used to conclude proceedings at the six-day event held in the Brazilian city of Curitiba from 29 September to 5 September.

The ceremony saw Distinguished Service Awards being presented to five IUFRO members. Mike also presented the immediate past IUFRO President Prof. Niels Elers Koch with an Honorary IUFRO Membership – the highest award of the Organization that acknowledges individuals who have rendered particularly important and outstanding services to IUFRO.

Congress Scientific Committee Chair, Jerry Vanclay read out the Congress Declaration. The event was preceded by the signing of the Forest Science for the Future’ commitment on a giant board at the expo centre entrance on 4 October.

The IUFRO flag was also lowered and ceremonially handed over to Stockholm 2024 organising committee. The Swedish capital will host the XXVI IUFRO World Congress in 2024 with the organising committee inviting all participants to join then at the next World Congress.

In his closing speech Mike reflected on five years as IUFRO President saying that today human activity has created the greatest pressure on forests. This crisis and rapid climate change are the greatest concerns facing the planet and underpins all forest science research. He also stressed the importance of collaboration or ‘connecting the dots’. These are metaphorical dots and everyone must work particularly hard at connecting across disciplines. Scientists need to connect with communities, communicate with the public at large and gain their trust in the Post-Truth Era. People will be prepared to listen to IUFRO because the organization does not advocate but provides scientific facts. In closing he congratulated the Congress Organising Committee for making the Congress a resounding success. He also, on a personal note, thanked the University of Pretoria, FABI and colleagues and particularly his wife Prof. Brenda Wingfield and their children for making it possible for him to serve the five-year term as IUFRO President.

He then officially handed over the Presidency to Dr John Parrotta saying it is a pleasure to hand over the mantle to a man of such high standing and integrity as he will be a wonderful President!

In his acceptance speech, Dr John Parrotta stressed the important role that the forest science community has to play stating that the world needs what IUFRO has to offer.