GEF Focal Points play a critical coordination role regarding GEF matters at country level as well as serving as the liaison with the GEF Secretariat and Implementing Agencies while representing their constituencies on the GEF Council.

The GEF Political Focal Points and Operational Focal Points have different functions, although the exact specifications of the two designations may vary from country to country. All GEF member countries have Political Focal Points, while only recipient member countries eligible for GEF project assistance have Operational Focal Points.

GEF Political Focal Points are concerned primarily with issues related to GEF governance, including policies and decisions, as well as relations between member countries and the GEF Council and Assembly.

GEF Operational Focal Points are concerned with the operational aspects of GEF activities, such as endorsing project proposals to affirm that they are consistent with national plans and priorities and facilitating GEF coordination, integration, and consultation at country level. 

NB: A country wishing to change its focal point(s) should inform the GEF Secretariat in writing and provide the details of the new focal point. Please use the "GEF Focal Point information update form" to accompany your notification of change for both Focal Points and Council Members/ Alternate Members.