As the world experiences the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canada is once again bringing leaders together to take action and build a healthy future for people everywhere.

“I am looking forward to working with people who know the power of research, of equitable, inclusive partnerships and of investing in locally driven initiatives that are changing lives in developing countries. Our work to fight the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss has never felt more urgent and important. Now, more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to climate action and global collaboration. Canada’s long-standing partnership with the Global Environment Facility is central to these efforts.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

“This assembly will have a clear theme: the need to work together in new ways—within and across countries and across sectors—to heal the planet. This will mean standing shoulder to shoulder as one family—connecting governments, Indigenous Peoples, businesses, local communities and young leaders who are clear-sighted about the present and believe in a better future. We will be meeting in Canada with a unity of purpose at a difficult time, in the knowledge that, by working together, we can face the challenges before us and turn this around. Everyone must be involved, and this is the path we are forging together.” 

- Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility

“We are at a pivotal time of unprecedented environmental challenges as the world is being confronted by the triple crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. The urgency of a global response has never been greater. Over the last 8 months, since COP15, we have seen outstanding collaboration between countries and international partners, and we need to keep the momentum going. Canada’s long-standing partnership with the Global Environment Facility is central to our efforts and underscores our shared commitment to collaboration and climate action.”

- Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

• The GEF Assembly comes at a time of significant diplomatic momentum and Canadian leadership, given the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework deal reached at COP15 last December and the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) reached in New York City in March this year.

• Canada is a founding member of the GEF, a key mechanism that Canada uses to channel support to developing countries to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. At COP15, Canada announced it would provide a contribution of $219 million in funding between 2022 and 2026 to the GEF’s Eighth Replenishment to support developing countries’ efforts to address global environmental challenges and meet their commitments under international environmental conventions.

• At COP15, Canada committed $350 million in new and additional funding to support developing countries in conserving biodiversity and to support their implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

• In June 2021, Canada doubled its climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over 5 years (2021 to 2026) to support developing countries’ transitions to low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive sustainable development. Over $1 billion of this funding goes toward nature-based climate solutions.

Associated links

• Seventh GEF Assembly
• Canada and the Global Environment Facility
• Canada to host Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility

Emily Heffernan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development
Emily.Heffernan@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca