FAO turned 80 – forest-based innovations featured in new exhibition video
Finland donated groundbreaking examples of sustainable wood-based innovations to the FAO’s new permanent exhibition, which opened in Rome as part of the organization’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
Finnish expertise is showcased in the FAO exhibition with the Kuura dress, made from renewable wood fiber and the Woodio bathroom sink made from wood chips. The products are examples of how wood-based innovations are transforming everyday materials into more sustainable ones.
“These creations demonstrate the potential of wood to transform industries and support a more sustainable future,” said Sari Essayah, Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, at the exhibition opening.
“Wood is such an innovative material that we can use it for many purposes – from construction and chemicals to textiles and even as a raw material in food production. Through innovation, wood can replace fossil-based materials in technologies such as batteries, create new commercial products and, most importantly, help combat climate change,” said Essayah.
FAO, an agency of UN which turns 80 today, celebrated its milestone in Rome a week ago with the opening of a new permanent exhibition at its headquarters, as well as a science and innovation forum. More than 7,000 decision-makers and influencers participated in the week-long celebration, which was framed by the Grow the Solution initiative.
“Grow the Solution is a global initiative that raises awareness of how forests and forest-based products can store carbon, provide climate solutions and offer sustainable alternatives to non-renewable materials,” said Kai Lintunen, leader of the FAO Forest Communication Network FCN, who spoke at the science forum.
Interactive displays, quizzes and presentations supported the exhibition innovations. At the opening, over 400 photos were taken in front of the Grow the solution wooden billboard.
“As forest communicators, we aim to raise awareness of the crucial role of wood in building a more sustainable future. People do not always understand that products made from sustainable wood, like this billboard behind me, are also climate solutions,” says FAO Communications Coordinator Maria De Cristofaro in a video released by FAO.
“Communication and public engagement are essential to complement global campaigns and effectively raise awareness,” says Kai Lintunen.
The new permanent exhibition showcasing wood-based innovations is part of the recently inaugurated FAO’s Museum of Food and Agriculture. During the opening days, the exhibition was visited by many well-known names, including Pope Leo XIV, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Princess Reema of Jordan and Princess Leonor of Spain, all of whom emphasized the vital role of innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.