- Founded in 2013, the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) undergoes its first leadership change, reaffirming its commitment to the Global South
- Kamal Prawiranegara, GLF Co-Founder, brings institutional knowledge and systems-level thinking as new Director
- Former Director and Co-Founder John Colmey continues as Senior Strategic Advisor
- Led by CIFOR-ICRAF, in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and 35 Charter Members, the GLF is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform for sustainable landscapes, having reached over 4 billion people in 175 countries and informed over 25,000 organizations
Bonn, Germany (10 September 2025) – The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) has appointed Kamal Prawiranegara as its new Director. Based at the GLF Secretariat in Bonn, Germany, he will ensure continuity as the Forum aims to create productive, profitable, equitable and resilient landscapes based on scientific and traditional knowledge and by connecting communities and experts worldwide.
Prawiranegara, 44, has two decades of experience in multilateral collaboration and previously served as Deputy Director of the GLF. As the GLF’s first Indonesian director, he will continue strengthening its global community, which has now reached more than 4 billion people in 175 countries, to create lasting impact in the face of intertwined environmental and social crises.
“This is a moment of both continuity and growing momentum for the Global Landscapes Forum. We are reaffirming our mission to support communities, not from the top down but from the ground up, as they face new global challenges. With the knowledge base of CIFOR-ICRAF and the strength and energy of 35 Charter Members behind us, we continue to scale local solutions and connect action across regions and realities. From Indigenous leaders in Kalimantan to young scientists in Argentina and restoration actors in Cameroon, we see the most effective climate and development solutions emerging in places where people have long been stewards of their landscapes. When local stewards connect with policymakers, financiers, scientists and changemakers, we can transform landscapes and shape a fairer, more sustainable future for all – and the world needs this more than ever.” – Kamal Prawiranegara, GLF Director.
Former GLF Director and Co-Founder John Colmey will assume a new role as Senior Strategic Advisor. He will also continue as Senior Director at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF).
“Today’s overlapping crises, conflicts, a destabilizing climate, collapsing biodiversity and widening inequality demand more from us in response. Kamal has the experience and expertise to carry the GLF mission forward, and I look forward to supporting him in his new role as Director. I truly can’t think of any person better placed to lead us through this next and most critical decade.” – John Colmey, GLF Senior Strategic Advisor and former Director.
Under its new leadership, the GLF will continue emphasizing on promoting South–South and North–South collaboration and grow its global network of stewards by expanding its support for projects led by youth, women and communities on climate, gender equality, and food security and sovereignty across the Global South.
“I am delighted with Kamal’s appointment to this important role at such a critical moment in history. The Global Landscapes Forum, which CIFOR-ICRAF is proud to have co-founded, is a flagship initiative that is growing in reach and momentum. As a long-term colleague and an Indonesian from one of the world’s three great forest basins, he brings a unique and rooted understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these vital ecosystems. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing both the GLF’s mission and CIFOR-ICRAF’s vision for sustainable landscapes worldwide.” – Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of CIFOR-ICRAF and Director General of ICRAF.
Both Prawiranegara and Colmey will be in Belém, Brazil for COP30, where they will lead GLF Climate 2025 and the 8th GLF Investment Case Symposium. These two hybrid events will convene experts, practitioners and community leaders in calling for real, meaningful action for climate justice and finance beyond the negotiating rooms.
“This leadership transition is a gateway to exciting possibilities as we welcome Kamal Prawiranegara’s fresh vision and John Colmey’s invaluable strategic guidance in the GLF’s dynamic direction, ensuring the growth and innovation of its community through a blend of new ideas and seasoned wisdom.” – Emmanuela Dewi Shinta, Chairwoman of Ranu Welum Foundation, organization leading the GLFx Kalimantan chapter.
“I am thrilled with the news that Kamal is the new Director of the Global Landscapes Forum. Together, John and Kamal have built a multicultural dream team that has catalyzed a global movement for sustainable and inclusive landscapes – with science and local knowledge at its core. It’s been wonderful to be part of the GLF journey for the last 12 years. Looking forward to this next chapter!” – Amy Duchelle, Senior Forestry Officer, Forests and Climate Team Leader, FAO.
Learn more about Kamal Prawiranegara here and John Colmey here.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
- Find the photos here
- Watch Kamal’s video message as GLF Director here and learn more from him on the GLF LinkedIn as of 10 September
- For more information, contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org)
ABOUT THE GLF
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable and resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.
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