September 2007

CSP Subregional Exchange Workshops for GEF Focal Points

The GEF Country Support Programme (CSP) has begun conducting its first annual series of Subregional Exchange Workshops for GEF Focal Points in 2007, focusing on environment and sustainable development concerns among countries and helping build capacity. Four such workshops have been conducted between March and May 2007 for 117 GEF Operational and Political Focal Points or their designees representing 80 countries:

• Istanbul, Turkey for Eastern European and the CIS countries from March 7–8
• Bangkok, Thailand for East Asian countries from April 2–3
• Nairobi, Kenya for East and Southern African countries from May 14–16
• Dakar, Senegal for West and Central African countries from May 21–23

The workshops have been designed to respond to Focal Points’ needs and priorities based on the results of a global survey conducted in November 2006, as well as feedback received during Subregional Consultations held earlier in 2006. They also reflect the ongoing strategic guidance received from the CSP Steering Committee. The workshops provide a unique opportunity for Focal Points to exchange experiences, lessons, and best practices on matters of mutual concern and interest to them, and to interact with representatives of the GEF partner institutions.

Based on feedback provided by participants in written evaluations, workshop highlights have included sessions on “Enhancing National GEF Coordination and Setting Priorities,” “Integrating GEF in Environment and Sustainable Development Plans and Policies,” “Knowledge Management and Exchange among Focal Points” based on the CSP Knowledge Facility for GEF Focal Points. In addition, the “GEF Clinic” provides an opportunity for Focal Points to discuss country-specific issues during dedicated bilateral consultations with representatives from the GEF Secretariat, Agencies, and the CSP.

For detailed information on each of the above workshops, please visit http://www.gefcountrysupport.org/report_detail.cfm?projectId=162. There you will find workshop summaries, final agendas, list of participants and their contact information, all presentations in multiple languages, and a group photo.

Upcoming Subregional Exchange Workshops for GEF Focal Points will be conducted in the following locations:

• Apia, Samoa for Pacific SIDS from September 10–11 just prior to the SPREP Annual Meeting and focusing on the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (GPAS)
• The Bahamas for Caribbean SIDS from October 10–12

• Sao Paolo, Brazil for Latin American countries from October 15-17
• Bali, Indonesia for North African, Middle East, West and South Asian countries from December 1–3, just prior to the UNFCCC COP 13

Detailed information and draft agendas will be sent to the GEF Focal Points from these subregions, and will be posted to the CSP Knowledge Facility shortly.

For more information, please contact Stephen Gold, Global Manager, GEF Dialogue Initiative and Country Support Programme, at Stephen.Gold@UNDP.org.