Seventh Assembly of Global Environment Facility.Image credit Twitter @theGEF
Ottawa/CMEDA: On World Environment Day Canada today, Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced that Canada will host the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) from August 22 to 26, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, a news release said.
Meeting every 4 years, GEF is the global body that coordinates financing for international efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health.
“On the momentous occasion of World Environment Day’s 50th anniversary…Canada will be hosting the GEF Assembly in Vancouver…look forward to working with international partners, Indigenous Peoples and youth…provide support to developing countries in their climate adaptation efforts,” said Sajjan.
Canada will continue its leadership as the host of the GEF Assembly this summer coming at a time of significant diplomatic momentum with the historic Global Biodiversity Framework deal reached at COP15 and the high seas treaty agreed on in New York City, New York, in March 2023.
Bringing together environmental leaders from 185 countries, including government ministers and representatives of international organizations, businesses, academia and civil society, this meeting will also facilitate engagement with and input from Indigenous Peoples, women and young people.
“This conference will serve as a platform to…explore strategies, share best practices and forge partnerships…promote the use of nature-based solutions in support of the poorest and most vulnerable countries impacted by climate change…make a profound and lasting impact on our planet,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
This GEF Assembly would also launch of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), a much needed source of funding for the protection of endangered species and their ecosystems and could open new avenues for the private sector and philanthropic support for nature.
The GEF, based in Washington, D.C., was selected to manage this new fund at COP15.
As a founding member of the GEF, Canada’s primary mechanism for helping developing countries is by addressing climate change and announced at COP15 to provide $219 million between 2022 and 2026 to the GEF in meeting commitments under international environmental conventions.
$350 million in new and additional funding was also committed by Canada to support developing countries in conserving biodiversity and in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Canada also doubled its climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over 5 years (2021 to 2026) in June 2021, to support developing countries’ transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive sustainable development.
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