Database LDCs

How can Civil Society participate in the GEF?

Reforms being implemented now under GEF-5 seek to increase country ownership, an effort that gives civil society organizations an important role to play. They help set priorities for GEF resources in the recipient countries through their participation in the National Portfolio Formulation Exercises. They exchange valuable information at the Extended Constituency Workshops, where one representative of CSOs per country is sponsored by the GEF to participate. Through the Pilot Project on Broadening the GEF Partnership approved by Council, NGOs are given the opportunity to be accredited as the GEF Project Agencies to fulfill most of the roles of the current 10 GEF Agencies. The GEF has also fostered increased interaction between CSOs and the Operational Focal Points (OFPs). This makes the project identification and monitoring process more transparent and inclusive. As a result of this effort, OFPs are required to convene at least one annual meeting with members of the GEF Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Network in their country, which includes civil society organizations. The Secretariat works to ensure that these meetings are an integral part of the GEF-funded country support programs. NEGOTIATIONS: ClimateWire: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 U.S. pushes against Germany in looming decision to locate climate fund Lisa Friedman, E&E reporter The United States is lobbying against Bonn, Germany, in its bid to become the headquarters for the Green Climate Fund, several delegates involved in the decision said this week. Germany is among six nations jockeying to house the potentially multibillion-dollar fund, and Bonn is considered -- along with Songdo, South Korea, and Geneva, Switzerland -- a top contender.