Dr. Samuel Dotse champions Climate Action and Financial Mobilisation at 69th GEF Council Meeting in Washington, D.C. USA

This week, the 69th Session of the Global Environment Facility (GEF 69) Council Meeting is focusing on global environmental financing. The meeting will allocate USD$261 million for innovative programs. These programs aim to address biodiversity conservation, pollution remediation, and local environmental actions.

Dr. Samuel Dotse is attending the meeting. He is the CEO of HATOF Foundation and a Laureate of Distinction in Climate Change. Invited by Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, GEF CEO, Dr. Dotse advocates for ambitious climate financing. He aims to elevate Ghana’s visibility in global environmental discussions.

His participation highlights the need for inclusive and transparent environmental governance. This governance is crucial for tackling national and global environmental challenges.

Outside the Council meeting, Dr. Dotse will speak at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) workshop at the World Bank Office in Washington. He will discuss enhancing transparency in Multilateral Climate Funds' governing bodies.

In addition, Dr. Dotse is holding high-level meetings with various organizations. He engages with the Adaptation Fund Secretariat and CIF leadership to secure funding for climate resilience in Ghana.

Of the $261 million available at the Council meeting, $195 million targets projects that eliminate toxic substances from products and support international collaboration on waterways. It also promotes locally led environmental efforts through microfinance.

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is considering $26 million in grants as well. These grants aim to enhance biodiversity protection efforts across multiple countries.

Dr. Dotse’s engagement comes at a critical time for GEF Council discussions on global environmental goals. The council reviews progress and aligns funding strategies with multilateral conventions' mandates.

About the Global Environment Facility (GEF):

The GEF is a major multilateral fund supporting developing countries like Ghana in achieving global environmental commitments. It serves as a financial mechanism for key environmental conventions such as climate change and biodiversity agreements.

The GEF has 186 member countries and its Council includes 32 representatives from various economies. The council meets twice yearly to set policies, review progress, and approve funding for projects.

About the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF):

Launched in 2023, GBFF helps developing nations implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It focuses on improving national biodiversity management and planning approaches.

With $202 million already committed across 41 countries, GBFF aims to promote national-level biodiversity policies by 2050. Ghana has not yet benefited from this fund.