Events

The GEF Council is the GEF’s main governing body, comprising 32 members appointed by constituencies of GEF member countries (14 from developed countries, 16 from developing countries, and two from economies in transition (EITs)). Council members rotate at different intervals determined by each constituency. The Council, which meets twice annually, develops, adopts, and evaluates the operational policies and programs for GEF-financed activities. It also reviews and approves the work program (projects submitted for approval), making decisions by consensus.

Convened by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation every June, CHOW brings together scientists, policymakers, scholars, businesses and conservation leaders to address pressing conservation, science, and management issues facing our oceans and Great Lakes.

This UNOC3 Special Event dedicted to science will feature a mix of plenary sessions, including opening and keynote speeches, alongside parallel oral and poster presentations. To enhance interactions between science and society, action and policy, and to engage civil society more broadly, 'townhalls' such as panels and roundtables will also be arranged.

The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) will identify and mobilize solutions to support initiatives to promote the blue economy and conserve marine ecosystems.

World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate, working in collaboration with youth leaders and a wide range of organizations. World Ocean Day belongs to all groups and individuals, collectively, everywhere. It’s about how we can create a better future with an abundant ocean and a stable climate, by working together.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

During the annual meeting, BFG members learn about critical issues, share strategies, and find new friends and collaborators. Details of the 2025 meeting are still being determined; please check back at the link for updates!

The UNFCCC SBSTA will conduct their annual meeting in June 2025. The SBSTA is one of two permanent subsidiary bodies to the Convention established by the Convention of the Parties (COP)/Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP). It supports the work of the COP, the CMP, and the Parties to the Paris Agreement through the provision of timely information and advice on scientific and technological matters as they relate to the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.

The OCEANS Conference is a major forum for scientists, engineers, and end-users throughout the world to present the latest research, ideas, developments, and applications in all areas of Oceanic Engineering systems. OCEANS 2025 Brest program will be built around the theme “Oceans: Infinity is the Limit,” with an emphasis on the impact of climate change in and from the oceans. The technical sessions will provide a review of recent advances in oceanic engineering, science, and technology. See the link for more information.

London Climate Action Week harnesses the unique power of London for global and local climate action. It mobilizes London’s unparalleled ecosystem of climate and non-climate organizations to accelerate global climate action and supports action in London to ensure it acts as a global climate leader.