Building on recent diplomatic breakthroughs on biodiversity loss, toxic chemicals, and the high seas, the seventh GEF Assembly was a critical stocktaking session for the 2030 goals to end pollution and nature loss, combat climate change, and propel inclusive, locally-led conservation.

This Assembly ratified the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, a new source of funding for protecting endangered species and their ecosystems globally, which was approved by the GEF Council in June. It also considered the report on the Seventh Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund.

This year’s Assembly included high-level plenary sessions on:

• integrated responses to global environmental degradation;
• partnerships for financing; and
• responsible, inclusive and transformative governance.

The Assembly also held high-level roundtables on:

• closing the nature funding gap and achieving policy coherence;
• bridging the science and policy nexus for heathy planet, healthy people;
• pathways to a net zero nature positive world;
• circular solutions for healthy planet, healthy people;
• promoting sustainability and resilience in cities;
• conserving and restoring nature;
• transforming food systems;
• learning for results and impact
• youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the environment;
• GEF’s future with new agreements and emerging themes;
• building climate resilience and adapting to new realities; and
• cultivating sustainable and resilient landscapes and livelihoods.

The Assembly is the GEF’s highest governing body and meets every four years, bringing together member countries, implementing agencies, conventions, civil society organizations, and other important stakeholders to share knowledge, insights, and solutions to pressing global environmental concerns, as well as: review general policies; review and evaluate the GEF’s operations based on reports submitted to Council; review Facility membership; and consider, for approval by consensus, amendments to the instrument for the establishment of the restructured GEF on the based on Council recommendations. It is also an opportunity for all members to exchange views regarding their political priorities, and communicate their aspirations and plan for long-term action of the GEF.

The Assembly took place from Tuesday, August 22, to Saturday, 26 August 2023 in Vancouver, Canada. The Assembly opened on Wednesday and met on Thursday and Friday, 24-25 August. It was preceded, on Tuesday, August 22, by the GEF Gender Partnership Forum Strategy and Planning Meeting, the Youth Leaders Learning Exchange, the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Event and a Partnership Forum on solutions for the environment through dialogue, inclusion and equity.

GEF project field visits took place Saturday, 26 August 2023.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Tanya Rosen; Deborah Davenport. Ph.D.; Keith Ripley; and Virginia Wiseman. The Digital Editor was Ángeles Estrada. The Editor was Leila Mead.