Global Environment Facility Fund (GEF)

The Council is the main decision-making body of the GEF. It is made up of 32 members, each representing a group of GEF member countries known as constituencies. These members are divided as follows: 14 from developed countries, 16 from developing countries, and 2 from countries with economies in transition (typically those shifting from centrally planned to market-based economies).

Each constituency appoints individuals to serve as its representatives on the Council. These individuals, designated by government, rotate between the roles of Council member and Alternate Council member, following schedules agreed upon by the Constituency countries.

The Council meets twice a year to set the overall direction of the GEF’s work. It is responsible for developing, approving, and evaluating the strategies, policies, and programs that guide GEF-funded activities around the world. A key responsibility is reviewing and approving the work program, which includes proposed environmental projects.

All decisions are made by consensus, meaning no members object to the final outcome. For a meeting to proceed and make decisions, at least two-thirds of the Council members must be present.