Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 30 May 2026 — The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) will participate in the 71st GEF Council, the 40th LDCF/SCCF Council, the 6th GBFF Council, and the Eighth GEF Assembly set to take place from 31 May to 5 June 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Bringing together representatives from 186 countries, GEF Agencies, convention partners, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, academia, and the private sector, the meetings will help shape global environmental action in the critical years leading to 2030.
Throughout the meetings, STAP will provide independent scientific and technical advice to support evidence-based decision-making across the GEF partnership. STAP will also present its latest report to Council, highlighting recent achievements and emerging scientific insights relevant to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, chemicals and waste, international waters, and integrated environmental solutions.
As the GEF partnership advances toward GEF-9 and the 2030 global environmental agenda, STAP will emphasize the importance of science, systems thinking, and integrated approaches to address interconnected environmental challenges and strengthen the impact of GEF investments.
STAP’s engagement in Samarkand underscores its commitment to ensuring that GEF policies, programs, and projects are guided by the best available science. Through dialogue with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and development partners, STAP will continue to promote knowledge-driven solutions that support more resilient, effective, and transformative environmental outcomes.
