After being cancelled by a typhoon in 2025, GLSTF is returning with even more foreign guests and around 20 activities
Macao to host Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum
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The Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF) 2026 will be held at the Galaxy International Convention Center in Macao on 22 and 23 September. The event is expected to bring together timber and home furnishing industry representatives from 49 countries and regions – up from 36 at the forum’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Jointly hosted by Macao’s Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (known by its Portuguese initials IPIM) and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the 2026 forum will be based on the theme of “Innovation and Transformation – Pursuing Avenues for Resilient and Sustainable Global Timber Industries.”
It marks a return of the annual event after the 2025 edition – scheduled for 23 and 24 September – was cancelled due to Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Who is participating in the Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum this year?
According to the IPIM, the number of overseas attendees at the 2026 GLSTF has increased by 12 percent, with the guest list including senior officials and representatives from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking nations, ASEAN member states and other overseas countries.
Some of the new attendees include the environment ministries of Togo and Thailand, as well as high-level government representatives from Mozambique and Mexico.
“This will further reinforce Macao’s role as a ‘precise connector’ for co-operation between China and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, establishing a premier global dialogue hub for the timber industry,” the IPIM said.
What events will be held on day 1 of GLSTF?
A variety of events will be staged during the two-day GLSTF, including a keynote event on the first day (10 am to 10:50 am), which features moderator and ITTO executive director Sheam Satkuru, as well as four senior government figures from Thailand, Mozambique, Cameroon and the Central African Republic, including Thailand’s environment minister Suchart Chomklin.
[See more: Fortune Leaders Forum: Macao eyes shift from tourism to business]
Day 1 will also feature panel discussions that touch on various issues, including the development of the global timber industries, the global disruptions and challenges faced by the sector, emerging trends and innovations.
The presentation of various international achievements, including the Action Framework 2026 for Promoting Legal and Sustainable Timber Supply Chains, will be carried out in between these talks.
What will day 2 of the forum entail?
The second day of GLSTF will feature four specialised sub-forums: timber legality and sustainability; sustainable resources and markets; furniture and home furnishing trends, and green finance. Business matching sessions and a roundtable meeting of the Global Timber Association Network will also be held, alongside a number of partner events.
Both days of the forum will include legal and sustainable timber displays from more than 30 exhibition booths. The international exhibitors will present a range of products such as furniture, wood panels and handicrafts.
How do I register for the event?
Registration for the 2026 GLSTF can be submitted via the official webpage. The organisers have published the full two-day agenda and forum details.
What has Macao been doing to build up its green industry?
GLSTF is just one part of Macao’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy by further developing its green industry. Other examples of this can be seen in the launch of the Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange (MEX) to facilitate the trading of green assets, and the hosting of events such as the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF).
