BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 1. The Global
Environment Facility (GEF) is reviewing a $3.9 billion
replenishment package in Samarkand aimed at defining global
environmental financing priorities for the 2026–2030 period, with
an emphasis on supporting vulnerable countries and enhancing
sustainable investment mechanisms, Trend reports via the Uzbek
National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.


The matter was discussed at the 71st meeting of the GEF Council,
which commenced on May 31 ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly. The
event brought together representatives of GEF member states,
international organizations, financial institutions, the scientific
community, civil society, and the private sector.


A key focus of the opening day was the ninth replenishment of
the GEF Trust Fund, including its investment strategy, resource
allocation mechanisms, and priority funding areas. Officials noted
that the current replenishment envelope amounts to $3.9 billion,
while donor countries may continue to make additional pledges until
the final package is approved by the World Bank.


Participants stressed the importance of increasing support for
least developed countries, small island developing states, as well
as Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Delegates also
discussed the expansion of transboundary environmental initiatives,
strengthening blended finance mechanisms, and increasing
private-sector participation in environmental projects.


Another item on the agenda was the GEF Work Program for June
2026, which includes 16 projects across 19 countries, with total
GEF financing of $141.4 million and expected co-financing exceeding
$828 million.







During the discussions, Uzbekistan’s Risk Mitigation Facility
project was highlighted as an example of how blended finance can
facilitate additional investment in environmental and sustainable
development initiatives.


The Council also reviewed the proposed GEF corporate budget for
fiscal year 2027, measures to enhance the effectiveness of the GEF
partnership network, plans to expand the number of implementing
agencies, and proposals to further refine the System for
Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR) under the GEF-9
framework.


Environmental experts presented assessments of major global
challenges, including rising temperatures, extreme heat, threats to
marine ecosystems, plastic pollution, and contamination from per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Participants stressed the
importance of science-based policymaking and integrated approaches
to addressing environmental issues.


The 71st GEF Council meeting will continue in Samarkand through
June 3, while the Eighth GEF Assembly is scheduled to officially
open on June 4 at the Silk Road Samarkand complex.