GEF Assembly

The GEF unites, today, 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. The GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

Since 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $12.5 billion in grants and leveraging $58 billion in co-financing for over 3,690 projects in over 165 countries. Through its Small Grants Programme (SGP), the GEF has also made more than 17,000 small grants directly to civil society and community based organizations, totaling $617 million.

Within its structure the GEF’s governing body is the Assembly. It meets every three to four years, and is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the GEF's general policies, the operation of the GEF, and its membership. The Assembly is also responsible for considering and approving proposed amendments to the GEF Instrument, the document that established the GEF and set the rules by which the GEF operates. Representatives of all member countries participate.

This year the Fifth GEF Assembly and associated meetings will be hosted by the government of Mexico in Cancún the week of May 25th 2014.

The Assembly will combine:

Plenary and high-level panels

Exhibits

Side events

GEF project site visits

The GEF is extremely pleased to be hosting the Assembly in Mexico. This will not only enable the GEF to showcase the progress of global environmental activities in the region, but also provide an opportunity for delegates to visit some of the successful GEF projects in Mexico.