The 69th meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council, the 38th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Fund/Special Climate Change Fund (LDCF/SCCF) Council, and the fourth meeting of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) Council adopted work programs collectively totaling USD 256.13 million. The work programs are expected to mobilize over USD 3 billion in co-financing.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meetings notes that the work programs comprise 21 projects and programs that will address environmental challenges related to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and chemicals and waste. Through the International Waters Focal Area, they will also support transboundary cooperation in shared marine and freshwater ecosystems.

The GEF Trust Fund Work Program amounts to USD 190.9 million and includes 12 projects and two programs that will be implemented in 35 countries, 17 of which are least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS).

“In addition,” ENB writes, “Council Members considered the Progress Report on the Implementation of the GEF Policy on Communication and Visibility, which highlights progress made in raising awareness about the GEF and its role in addressing global environmental challenges.”

The LDCF Work Program, adopted by the LDCF/SCCF Council, amounts to USD 39.55 million. It comprises national projects in Madagascar, Solomon Islands, and Uganda, as well as a regional program covering Chad and Mali.

The second-ever GBFF Work Program amounts to USD 25.68 million and includes provisions to ensure 30% of the funding will support efforts by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). The Work Program includes national projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Peru, and a regional project encompassing Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), and the Republic of the Congo. “These projects support commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and will promote sustainable biodiversity management and community wellbeing,” according to ENB.

“At the conclusion of the five-day meeting, Council Members were generally pleased with the progress and evaluations of the programs and projects that are underway for the eighth replenishment period for the GEF Trust Fund (GEF-8),” ENB writes. However, many expect the recently commenced negotiations for GEF-9 to be challenging in the light of shifting geopolitics and donor priorities. The talks are expected to conclude prior to the eighth GEF Assembly, which will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2026.

The Council meetings convened from 2-6 June 2025 in Washington D.C., US. The meetings were preceded by an online consultation between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the GEF Council on 29 May 2025. [ENB Coverage of 69th Meeting of GEF Council]