Economics & Investment

Sustained and inclusive economic growth and investment can drive sustainable development, create decent jobs for all, and improve living standards. However, roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about USD 2 a day. In too many places, having a job does not guarantee an escape from poverty. Slow and uneven progress in this area requires rethinking and retooling economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.

More progress is needed to increase employment opportunities, reduce informal employment and the gender pay gap, and promote safe and secure working environments to create decent work for all. At the same time, private and public investment can be a powerful sustainable development enabler. If delivered in the right way, it can create jobs, build skills, spur innovation, provide essential infrastructure and services, and boost economic growth. More investment on its own is not enough. Tapping the sustainable development potential of investment means increasing the capacity of the local economy and the public sector, reforming framework conditions to make countries attractive investment destinations, and promoting responsible business conduct along the length of global supply chains.

Events and Articles

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66th Meeting of the GEF Council

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Members will consider a new work program of the GEF Trust Fund under GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle, how to streamline the GEF project cycle, and possible actions to support the new agreement on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Event 5 February 2024 - 9 February 2024

65th Meeting of the GEF Council

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.
Event 10 October 2023

7th GEF Assembly

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.
Event 22 August 2023 - 26 August 2023

64th Meeting of the GEF Council

Council Members focused on supporting new, key environmental agreements and frameworks, reaching consensus on the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, including its programming directions, and on preparing the GEF to serve as part of the financial mechanism for the Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Event 26 June 2023 - 29 June 2023

63rd Meeting of the GEF Council

The GEF Council endorsed $65 million for biodiversity projects, including more than $18 million to support the development of biodiversity finance plans in 26 countries. GEF Council members, meeting virtually, also approved the establishment of a new Gustavo Fonseca Youth Conservation Leadership program to support the education of promising young conservationists from developing countries.
Event 28 November 2022 - 2 December 2022

62nd Meeting of the GEF Council

GEF Council Members endorsed the more than USD 5 billion replenishment for the next four-year period of the GEF and adopted Work Programs worth more than USD 238 million, launching projects that will contribute to a green and blue recovery and direct significant resources to small island developing States and least developed countries.
Event 21 June 2022 - 23 June 2022

GEF Consultation with Civil Society on Inclusive Microfinance

The Global Environment Facility Civil Society Organization Network came together to provide insights on micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises and their work in the eighth replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund and beyond.
Event 17 June 2022