The successful end of 18 months of negotiations for the ninth replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund “represents a renewed vote of confidence in multilateralism, in the GEF partnership, and in the importance of the global environment.” Many also urged prioritizing the private sector’s involvement and participants pointed to the vast finance gap all MEAs face.

The meeting focused on continued implementation of UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal in December 2026.

At their December 2025 meetings, the Councils of the family of funds managed by the GEF approved approximately USD 372 million in funding to support climate action, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and reduction, and integrated environmental action across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Participants reviewed progress toward the ninth replenishment cycle and considered ways to ensure implementation of the whole-of-society approach throughout the cycle. They called for increased funding for the Small Grants Program and the Inclusive Conservation Initiative, as well as enhanced engagement with civil society and other non-state actors.