Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Consultation meeting with Civil Society Organization (CSOs), Forty-seventh meeting of the GEF Council, and 17th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund (LDCF/SCCF) Council

On the third and final day of the 47th meeting of the GEF Council, Council Members met in Executive Session to consider the Report of the Selection and Review Committee, and agreed on dates for the next three sessions of the Council: 2-4 June 2015, 20-22 October 2015, and 7-9 June 2016.

Delegates also convened as the 17th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) Council. In her opening statement, GEF CEO Ishii noted that LDCF/SCCF projects are reaching US$1.3 billion and are supporting adaptation in 128 countries, including all LDCs and 33 SIDS, and are helping to reduce the vulnerability of more than 12 million people. She highlighted that there is a strong project pipeline, but expressed concern that the momentum in support for adaptation would be in jeopardy unless contributions to LDCF/SCCF are increased. She warned that having so many good projects ready for approval but awaiting funds makes it difficult for countries to plan ahead in their adaptation efforts.

Rishi Ram Ghimire, Embassy of Nepal, on behalf of the Chair of the UNFCCC Least Developed Countries Group, expressed LDC appreciation to the GEF CEO and Council for their continued support for the LDCF, which he recalled is the only fund dedicated to the priorities of LDCs. He said LDCs have requested: further use of the programmatic approach rather than individual projects; full support for the implementation of the national adaptation plans (NAPs); and greater attention to the recommendations of the LDC Expert Group, including regarding enabling activities.The Council approved the SCCF Work Program, which comprises six project concepts, with total resources requested in the work program amounting to US$31.883 million, including SCCF project financing and Agency fees.

At the conclusion of the LDCF/SCCF Council meeting, Switzerland announced that it was sending CHF 1 million for the LDCF and CHF 1.25 million for SCCF. Norway announced a recent contribution of NOK 22 million to LDCF and NOK 15 million to SCCF. Ireland announced a commitment of 900,000 Euros to LDCF, and Belgium announced a forthcoming contribution of 12 million Euros to LDCF. The US announced that it had transferred US$27.2 million to LDCF in September, more than it had originally pledged.

Council Members reviewed and approved Joint Summaries of the Chairs for both the GEF Council meeting and the LDCF/SCCF Council meeting, and CEO Ishii closed the meeting at 12:05 pm.