Washington, DC - Crucial assistance is on the way for countries as they endure the economic disruption and heartbreak of a world at war and an ever-warmer planet, even as obligations under the Paris Treaty, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and other international environmental agreements can over-encumber the budgets of least-developed nations.

The much-needed support was pledged during the 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council, which approved a UNDP Work Plan of more than $166 million from the GEF Trust Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) to support 23 projects across 20 countries to tackle nature and biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution control.

Recognizing that societal, health, and policy issues like gender equality, violence, and social discord often coincide with or are exacerbated by environmental challenges, the UNDP programming financed by the GEF accounts for direct and indirect results of environmental change.

“To address the massive challenges to life on Earth as we know it, we must collectively redouble our current efforts, map the way forward, and constantly improve upon our methods and processes,” stated Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. “Addressing the intricate, demanding work ahead demands a synchronized strategy. Our work with the GEF helps promote the kind of unified, concerted effort that can help the world through this critical juncture.”

UNDP will apply lessons learned from previous projects as its teams focus on technical and financial assistance toward curbing sea-level rise, transforming degraded land, ramping up biodiversity and nature-based solutions, and more.

Nancy Bennet, UNDP Director and Executive Coordinator, A.I., of Environmental Finance said: “Yielding results on the scale needed requires the level of investment pledged by the 67th GEF Council Meetings. We thank our partners for instilling in UNDP the confidence to deliver on projects that address intersectional and overlapping needs in countries that most need additional resources.”

The GEF Council investments also augment UNDP initiatives under the Climate Promise and Nature Pledge to expand access to affordable, renewable energy to 500 million more people by 2025.

Representatives of the GEF Council’s 186-member governments met in Washington, DC during the week of June 17 – 20, 2024, to approve $736.4 million in funding across the GEF funds. UNDP received support for 19 projects under the GEF Trust Fund and four under the Least Developed Countries Fund (LCDF) and to support international action on environmental issues, nature renewal, and pollution control.

About UNDP   

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. https://www.undp.org/ 

About the Global Environment Facility

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Its financing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and work towards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 member governments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, with a focus on integration and inclusivity. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided nearly $25 billion in financing and mobilized another $138 billion for country-driven priority projects. The family of funds includes the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund (NPIF), and Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency Trust Fund (CBIT).