29 June 2018: The sixth meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly took note of the Report on the GEF-7 Replenishment, the Sixth Overall Performance Study of the GEF, and the Report of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel, in addition to considering other issues. Participants at the Assembly also participated in roundtable discussions on how to accelerate action on: food, land-use and restoration; sustainable cities; blue economy; partnerships for implementing the 2030 Agenda; science-based targets for the Earth; circular economy; and marine plastics.

The GEF Assembly gathered over 1,100 participants from 27-28 June 2018, in Da Nang, Viet Nam.

During opening statements, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, Viet Nam, called for integrated solutions for a “resilient, sustainable and life-affirming planet,” and highlighted the country’s role in championing a plastic waste-free ocean initiative with the GEF. GEF CEO and Chairperson Ishii said that ecosystems, which are at the very foundation of economies and societies, must be restored. President Hilda Heine, the Marshall Islands, said the GEF is at the forefront of efforts to overcome the environment and climate crises. She invited delegates to a virtual Climate Vulnerable Forum leaders’ summit on the 22 November 2018 to help raise political momentum and amplify awareness for urgently needed action for the most vulnerable. Michelle Bachelet, Former President of Chile, reflected on the importance of: public participation and inclusiveness at all levels; long-term strategic plans in key economic sectors for sustainable production and consumption; quality information and science-based decision making; and persistent leadership for transformational change towards sustainable development.

In her comments on the GEF-7 replenishment, Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson, characterized the replenishment as the “best possible outcome of long and difficult negotiations,” and stressed that the resources allocated to the various focal areas must be maximized to yield the highest quality results over the next four years.

On Friday, 29 June, participants visited GEF-sponsored projects around Da Nang, Viet Nam.

The sixth meeting of the GEF Assembly was preceded by the 54th meeting of the GEF Council, the 24th meeting of the Council of the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), and the CSO Forum.

The GEF Council approved the seventh replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund (GEF-7) in the amount of US$4.1 billion, as well as a Work Program comprising eight projects and one program concept that amounted to US$63.4 million, including GEF project financing and Agency fees. In addition, the GEF Council adopted decisions on, inter alia:

• the GEF Gender Implementation Strategy, which aims to mainstream gender in the design, implementation, and evaluation of GEF programmes and projects;
• the updated Co-Financing Policy, with a new overall co-financing ratio of 7:1;
• the GEF Partnership;
• updating the System for Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR); and
• the 2019 GEF Business Plan and Corporate Budget.

[IISD RS summary of GEF Council and GEF Assembly meetings] [GEF Press Release on first day of Assembly] [GEF Press Release on second day of Assembly]