Investing in the Global Environment to Deliver Transformational Change —The Role of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)—

Severe environmental issues worldwide, such as climate change, loss of natural resources, land degradation, and water pollution, are becoming increasingly critical and significantly impacting Japan's environment and economy. The atmosphere and water circulating around the Earth know no borders. Furthermore, many consumer goods and food products we use daily—including electrical appliances, energy, paper, wood, and clothing—are produced using various natural resources from countries around the world. Abundant natural resources and the cultures built upon them are invaluable assets for each of us and for future generations.

This seminar leveraged the visit of Global Environment Facility (GEF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, visiting Japan. We introduced the GEF's investment activities, which support innovative initiatives through collaboration with various stakeholders, including businesses, investors, local governments, and civil society. These activities aim to transform the root causes of global environmental challenges—such as worsening climate change, loss of natural resources, land degradation, and water pollution—by driving systemic and policy shifts.　

Agenda:

14:00–    Seminar Overview (5 min)
Koichi Omori
Senior External Affairs Officer, World Bank Tokyo Office

14:05–    Opening Remarks (5 min)
Tsuyoshi Hyokai 
Director for Climate Change and Environmental Issues, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance; Member, Global Environment Facility Council

14:10–    Investing in the Global Environment to Deliver Transformational Change: The Role of the GEF (20 min)
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez 
CEO and Chair, Global Environment Facility

14:30–    Q&A Session (15 min)

14:45    Close session 

Speaker: