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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64th Meeting of the GEF Council

As part of a packed agenda, Council Members of the Global Environment Facility will discuss establishing a special fund to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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

Green Jobs for Youth Pact

Noting intergenerational promises at the heart of the original Stockholm Conference, panelists discussed how to make the green economy transition fair for young people.
Event 2 June 2022