The primary function of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is to provide funding to developing countries and countries with economies in transition for projects that address global environmental challenges. The GEF Council, as the GEF’s chief governing body, is responsible for, among other things, approving funding for projects and programs. At its 69th meeting, the Council considered a new work program of the GEF Trust Fund under the GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8). The requested work program totalled USD 190.9 million, and includes 14 projects and programs covering:

• the biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation focal areas (USD 55.6 million);
• the chemicals and waste focal area (USD 94.6 million); and
• the international waters focal area (USD 25.8 million).

This work program will make up 3.8% of the entire GEF-8 resource allocation, bringing total programming for the GEF-8 cycle to 75%.

The GEF has also been working to streamline its project cycle to enhance efficiency and achieve faster delivery of funding to recipients. In this regard, the 68th Council Meeting considered a set of measures aimed at streamlining GEF operations. The Council requested the Secretariat and Implementing Agencies to continue working on these and present any required policy amendments for consideration by the Council at its 69th meeting. The 69th Council Meeting also considered these Policy Amendments to Streamline the GEF Project Cycle.

In addition, the Council considered, among other things: the GEF Business Plan and Corporate Budget for FY26; and the GEF-8 Midterm Review on Performance of Full Flexibility.

The Council met in back-to-back Council meetings of the GEF Trust Fund, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), from Monday, 2 June, to Friday, 6 June 2025, in Washington, DC, US. It was preceded on Friday, 30 May by a virtual GEF Consultation with Civil Society.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Tomilola Akanle Eni-ibukun, Ph.D.; Gabriella Boger Prado; and Lynn Wagner, Ph.D. The Digital Editor was Ángeles Estrada. Video production was by Rosalie Boyle and Andrés Carvajal. The Editor was Leila Mead.