Seventh GEF Assembly
August 22-26, 2023 | Vancouver Convention Center
BLOG by GEF CEO Carlos Manuel Rodriguez
What firefighters have taught us about working together
The Seventh GEF Assembly marked a moment of change for the global environment
Environmental leaders from 185 countries gathered in Vancouver, Canada for the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility from August 22-26. Building on recent diplomatic breakthroughs on biodiversity loss, toxic chemicals, and the high seas, the GEF Assembly was a critical stocktaking for 2030 goals to end pollution and nature loss, combat climate change, and propel inclusive, locally-led conservation.
It included the launch of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, a new source of funding for protecting species and ecosystems globally. The GEF was selected to manage the new fund at the COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity summit in December 2022 and its governing Council approved plans for this in June 2023 in Brasilia.
The Assembly brought together ministers, government officials, business leaders, environmentalists, leaders of international agencies and environmental conventions along with representatives of youth groups, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples to discuss solutions to ensure a healthy planet with healthy people.
Event Coverage by IISD ENB
IISD's Earth Negotiations Bulletin provided coverage of the Assembly with daily summaries and photos.
August 22-26 Summary Report
August 25
Roundtable and Plenary Discussions, Closing Ceremony
Highlights and Images
August 24
Country Statements, Ratification of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, Roundtable and Plenary Discussions
Daily Report | Highlights and Images
August 23
Partnership Forum, The Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Program, Assembly Opening Ceremony
Daily Report | Highlights and Images
August 22
Youth Leaders Learning Exchange, Dialogue with Multilateral Environmental Agreement Secretariats and the GEF
Daily Report | Highlights and Images
Agenda at a Glance
The Assembly featured high-level sessions, roundtables, side events, workshops, and networking opportunities for participants of all ages and backgrounds. The meeting was supported by a wide range of Canadian partners.
- August 22STAP Science Day
- August 23Partnership Forum and Official Ceremony
- August 24GEF Assembly
- August 25GEF Assembly
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez
CEO and Chairperson
Global Environment Facility
Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Canada
Ahmed Hussen
Minister of International Development
Canada
Sonia Guajajara
Minister of Indigenous Peoples
Brazil
DISCOVER CANADA
About Vancouver
Ranked consistently among the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is a modern metropolis surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains, rainforests and ocean. It is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and the third largest metropolitan area in Canada behind Toronto and Montreal.
Already known as the greenest city in Canada, in 2011 Vancouver launched its ambitious Greenest City Action Plan to increase access to nature, promote green transportation and reduce its carbon footprint.
Assembly Venue
Located on Vancouver’s waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop, the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world and convenient access to all the major visitor amenities in the downtown core.
The Vancouver Convention Centre acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Canada and the GEF
Canada was one of the founding members of the Global Environment Facility, whose creation in 1991 provided the financial means for developing countries to take action on biodiversity, climate change, pollution, ocean health, and the ozone layer.
In the three decades since, Canada’s influence at the GEF has grown, as has its remit to address toxic chemicals, support more sustainable cities and food systems, improve the management of forests and waterways, and build a more resilient future, even in the most vulnerable places on Earth.