The Seventh GEF Assembly marked a moment of change for the global environment
Environmental leaders from 185 countries gathered in Vancouver, Canada for the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility from August 22-26. Building on recent diplomatic breakthroughs on biodiversity loss, toxic chemicals, and the high seas, the GEF Assembly was a critical stocktaking for 2030 goals to end pollution and nature loss, combat climate change, and propel inclusive, locally-led conservation.
It included the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, a new source of funding for protecting species and ecosystems globally. The GEF was selected to manage the new fund at the COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity summit in December 2022 and its governing Council approved plans for this in June 2023 in Brasilia.
The Assembly brought together ministers, government officials, business leaders, environmentalists, leaders of international agencies and environmental conventions along with representatives of youth groups, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples to discuss solutions to ensure a healthy planet with healthy people.
Visit the official Seventh GEF Assembly website for more details such as confirmed speakers, multimedia content, and logistical information.
IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin provided coverage of the Assembly with daily summaries and photos.
August 25 - Roundtable and Plenary Discussions, Closing Ceremony
August 24 - Country Statements, Ratification of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, Roundtable and Plenary Discussions
Daily Report | Highlights and Images
August 23 - Partnership Forum, The Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Program, Assembly Opening Ceremony
Daily Report | Highlights and Images
August 22 - Youth Leaders Learning Exchange, Dialogue with Multilateral Environmental Agreement Secretariats and the GEF
Featured Content
New global biodiversity fund launched in Vancouver
August 24, 2023
The Assembly will have a full agenda, including high-level roundtables, a Partnership Forum on August 23, side events, and opportunities to visit environmental activities close to Vancouver on August 26 that can serve as learning opportunities.
More detailed information can be found on the official Assembly website.
Council meeting documents
| Number | Title | Document Summary | Documents |
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| GEF/A.7/Summary | Chair's Summary of the Seventh GEF Assembly | Document
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| Number | Title | Document Summary | Documents |
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| GEF/A.7/01/Rev.01 | Provisional Agenda | Document
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| GEF/A.7/02/Rev.02 | Provisional Annotated Agenda | Document
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| GEF/A.7/03/Rev.01 | Report on GEF Participants | Document
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| GEF/A.7/04 | Report on the Eighth Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund | Document
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| GEF/A.7/05/Rev.01 | GEF-7 Funding Retrospective | Document
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| GEF/A.7/06 | Seventh Overall Performance Study of the GEF | Document
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| GEF/A.7/07 | Report of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel | Document
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| GEF/A.7/08 | Amendments to Instrument for the Establishment of a Restructured Global Environment Facility | Document
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| GEF/A.7/09 | Ratification of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund | Document
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| GEF/A.7/10 | Report on Credentials | Document
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| Number | Title | Document Summary | Documents |
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| GEF/A.7/Inf.01 | Provisional List of Documents | Document
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| GEF/A.7/Inf.02/Rev.01 | High-level Roundtables | Document
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| GEF/A.7/Inf.03 | Side Events | Document
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| Number | Title | Document Summary | Documents |
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| GEF/A.7/Statements | Seventh GEF Assembly Statements | Document
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Full Video Playlist
Watch the full playlist of Assembly sessions and special videos via the button below.
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