The Forest Declaration Assessment represents a significant civil society-led initiative aimed at evaluating collective progress towards global forest preservation goals. Established following the adoption of the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) in 2014, this assessment provides annual, rigorously researched reports detailing the state of the world's forests. It addresses key themes such as sustainable production and development, forest finance, and governance, uncovering critical gaps while suggesting actionable solutions to overcome obstacles hindering progress.

The assessment fosters collaboration among a diverse coalition of research organizations, NGOs, and advocacy groups globally, known as the Forest Declaration Assessment Partners. With its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Forest Declaration Assessment plays a crucial role in tracking progress against various voluntary forest commitments, especially in light of renewed global attention to forest conservation and ambitious pledges made at events like COP26. This initiative is essential for informing and guiding coordinated efforts to achieve the critical 2030 forest goals.