The global teak community will converge in Cochin, Kerala, from September 17–19, 2025, for the 5th World Teak Conference — a landmark event that aims to define the future of one of the world’s most prized tropical timbers. Organized by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and coordinated by the International Teak Information Network (TEAKNET) India, the conference follows earlier editions hosted in Costa Rica, Bangkok, Ecuador, and Ghana.

Kerala’s selection as the host is deeply symbolic, given that Nilambur is home to the world’s oldest teak plantation and has long been regarded as a living laboratory for teak research and plantation management. The three-day event will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and forestry professionals from across the globe, offering a unique opportunity to share innovations, discuss emerging market trends, and forge collaborations across the teak value chain.

The conference program will explore a wide spectrum of issues central to the future of teak. Sessions will cover the creation of value-added products, the evolution of markets, and the strengthening of legal supply chains to meet rising global demand for certified timber. Financial analysis of short-rotation teak investments across diverse growing regions will be presented alongside new research on teak genetics and improved stand management practices. Particular focus will be given to models for smallholder plantations and agroforestry systems across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, offering scalable pathways for inclusive growth. Environmental sustainability will be a key theme, with discussions on biodiversity conservation, forest landscape restoration, and the alignment of teak production with global climate and reforestation goals.

With the teak sector increasingly linked to sustainability benchmarks, carbon markets, and green construction standards, the 5th World Teak Conference promises to be a critical meeting point for decision-makers seeking to balance profitability with ecological stewardship. Cochin, with its strategic location and historical connection to the global timber trade, provides the ideal backdrop for charting the next chapter in the story of teak.