The 32-member Council will consider a new work program under the GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8) totaling over USD 550 million, which is expected to generate over USD 4 billion in co-financing for projects benefitting people and the planet.

The Freshwater Challenge to accelerate restoration of rivers and wetlands by 2030 has attracted 50 countries, and raised high hopes that it can provide a strategic way to help countries meet national commitments across the three Rio Conventions.

Members reaffirmed the central role of sustainable tropical timber trade in meeting global environmental and development objectives. Yet, despite high global funding levels for forests, clarity on how these ambitions will be financed remains limited.

The International Court of Justice will issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of States under international law to protect the climate system.