From Science to Environmental Action: Strengthening Evidence-based Global Investment

As part of Science Summit 2026 in New York, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), this session brings together voices from science, finance, policy, development, academia, and industry to examine how scientific evidence can better inform global environmental investment and action.

The discussion comes as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) enters its ninth replenishment cycle (GEF-9, 2026–2030), with a stronger focus on systems-level investments, innovation, private-sector engagement and inclusive approaches to addressing global environmental challenges. In this evolving landscape, robust scientific evidence is critical to set priorities, strengthen investments, and support learning and adaptation.

The session will highlight the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) and its role in bridging science and environmental action through three pathways: science for strategy, science for investment, and science for learning. It will explore how stronger connections between evidence, decision-making, and finance can help deliver lasting global environmental benefits at scale.