VIENTIANE, Laos: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have opened the GEF-9 Planning Workshop for Asia in Vientiane, bringing together representatives from 16 countries to strengthen regional cooperation and help shape priorities for the GEF’s new programming cycle.
The four-day workshop brings together government focal points, civil society representatives, youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, GEF Agencies, the private sector and other development partners.
Participants are exchanging experiences and exploring opportunities to turn national environmental priorities into impactful, scalable and sustainable programmes that can address shared challenges across the region.
Discussions are focusing on the GEF’s integrated approach to environmental action, covering biodiversity conservation, climate change, chemicals and waste management, land degradation and international waters.
The workshop is also examining ways to strengthen stakeholder participation, increase private-sector involvement and improve monitoring of environmental and climate-related results.
The meeting provides a platform for countries and partners to share experiences and identify areas where regional cooperation can support stronger environmental outcomes.
The GEF-9 planning process is expected to help align future programmes with national priorities while promoting solutions that can contribute to biodiversity protection, climate resilience, sustainable resource management and long-term environmental sustainability across Asia.
