Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility kicks off in Canada
This environmental forum promises to be as productive and inclusive as possible.
Everyone knows that the world today faces a triple environmental crisis: climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution. As one of the world's leaders in environmental issues, Canada has been very active in environmental initiatives. In June, it was announced that Vancouver will host the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). And the Assembly will take place this week — August 22 to 26. Even the wildfires situation in British Columbia was not a barrier to the assembly.
The GEF Assembly meets every 4 years and is the international body that coordinates funding for efforts around the world to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and strains on land and ocean health.
Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen will chair and co-organize the GEF Assembly. The event will host up to 1,500 participants from Canada and 185 other countries, including leaders of environmental organizations, government ministers and representatives of international organizations, indigenous communities, young people, business, academia and civil society. In line with the priorities identified at COP15 in Montreal, Canada and the GEF are committed to making the launch Assembly as inclusive as possible.
The GEF Assembly will be opened by Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Management responsible for Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. They will be joined by representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, who will welcome delegates to the lands where these people have lived for centuries.
The Assembly is expected to create a new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which is a critical source of funding for programs to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
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