Parties reviewed the main findings of an independent midterm assessment of the Strategic Framework (2018-2030), and reiterated the interlinkages between land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity, and the need for increased synergies with the Rio Conventions. A high-level event affirmed the growing recognition of the importance of sand and dust storms.

The 65th meeting of the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) took place in a virtual setting, focusing on the GEF Strategy for Knowledge Management and Learning; enhancing policy coherence; and relations with Conventions and international institutions. Council Members further decided on the dates for the 66th to 68th Council meetings in 2024.

While the concept of exploring an international agreement on environmental aspects of mining was widely regarded as premature, delegates expressed interest in a global assessment of existing instruments and mining standards, greater efforts at capacity building and technical assistance, and the creation of a global sand observatory.

In a watershed moment for biodiversity, GEF Assembly members unanimously agreed to ratify the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund—a new source of funding for protecting endangered species and their ecosystems globally. The meeting also featured the first-ever Partnership Forum, which brought together Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and representatives of civil society organizations to discuss ways the GEF can support their empowerment and recognition.