Regional NGO Focal Points

NGOs play a variety of important roles both in the development and the execution of GEF projects. Thus, their participation is crucial not only at the project level but also at the policy levels of the GEF. Therein lies a primary goal of the Regional NGO Focal Points to encourage and strengthen NGO involvement in the governance of the GEF, notably during the GEF Council meetings where GEF policies are decided.

In pursuit of this goal, the Regional NGO Focal Points are a voluntary network of NGOs that have offered to organize outreach to the NGO community concerning GEF NGO Consultations and participation of NGOs at Council Meetings. Primarily, they assist NGOs in taking advantage of the GEF self-selection mechanism. Ten slots at GEF Council meetings are reserved for NGOs and NGOs themselves have the responsibility of choosing their representatives. The Regional NGO Focal Points play an important role coordinating NGO initiatives and facilitating the selection of these representatives.

In addition, the Regional Focal Points serve to gather NGO input on the GEF and its Council Meetings and to disseminate related information on Council Meetings and GEF NGO consultations. For additional information please contact your nearest Regional NGO Focal Point or the GEF Secretariat.