About the Eighth GEF Assembly
The Eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly and Associated Meetings were held at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from May 30 to June 6, 2026. The formal Assembly sessions took place on June 4–5, 2026.
Theme of the Meeting
The central focus of the meeting was: “The final sprint to 2030: accelerating integrated environmental action for a healthy planet and lasting development.”
This wording combines two main messages used throughout the official GEF coverage: “The final sprint to 2030,” referring to urgent action toward international environmental and sustainable-development targets, and “A healthy planet makes lasting development possible,” highlighted during the Assembly’s concluding session.
The discussions covered biodiversity protection, climate change and adaptation, land and ecosystem restoration, oceans, pollution, blended finance, private-sector participation, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, women and youth. The Assembly also welcomed the GEF-9 funding cycle for 2026–2030 and a $3.9 billion replenishment to support environmental projects.
Countries That Participated
The meeting involved representatives of the GEF’s 186 participant countries, spanning Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America. Approximately 2,000 people from across the GEF partnership gathered in Uzbekistan, including country delegations, government ministers, GEF agencies, United Nations organizations, environmental conventions, civil-society groups, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, researchers and private-sector representatives. Uzbekistan participated as the host country.
Muhammad Ameen Keryo at the 8th GEF Assembly, Samarkand
Climate Leadership, Wastewater Innovation, and Pakistan’s First Constructed Wetland
The 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, brought together global leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to strengthen international cooperation on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
Among the key participants was Muhammad Ameen Keryo, Director of MAKES Pakistan, representing Pakistan as a leading voice in climate action and environmental innovation.
Climate Leadership and Global Engagement
During the Assembly, Muhammad Ameen Keryo engaged with international climate networks and civil society leaders working under the Global Environment Facility platform. The discussions focused on advancing practical solutions for climate resilience, strengthening environmental governance, and scaling community-driven sustainability initiatives.
His participation highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in global environmental dialogue and its contribution to nature-based solutions for climate challenges.
Wastewater Treatment Innovation
A central focus of his work is the development and promotion of innovative wastewater treatment systems based on ecological principles.
Muhammad Ameen Keryo is recognized for pioneering Pakistan’s first Constructed Wetland System, a nature-based wastewater treatment solution designed to improve water quality through natural biological processes. This system uses wetland vegetation, soil, and microbial activity to treat wastewater in an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. It offers a low-cost and scalable alternative for communities facing water pollution and sanitation challenges.
The model represents a shift from conventional treatment methods toward sustainable, ecosystem-based engineering solutions.
Pakistan’s First Constructed Wetland
The constructed wetland initiative led by MAKES Pakistan marks an important milestone in the country’s environmental innovation landscape. Key outcomes of the system include improved wastewater purification, reduced environmental pollution, and enhanced opportunities for water reuse. The approach demonstrates how natural systems can be integrated into modern infrastructure to address pressing environmental challenges.
This innovation is increasingly being recognized as a viable solution for regions with limited access to advanced wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Role at the GEF Assembly
At the 8th GEF Assembly, Muhammad Ameen Keryo also participated as a GCN Regional Focal Point for South Asia. In this capacity, he contributed to discussions on regional cooperation, climate resilience strategies, and strengthening civil society engagement in environmental decision-making.
His involvement reflects a commitment to connecting local innovation with global environmental frameworks and ensuring that South Asia’s challenges and solutions are represented in international climate discussions.
MAKES Pakistan and Environmental Vision
Under his leadership, MAKES Pakistan continues to focus on environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and the promotion of nature-based solutions. The organization works to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by developing practical models that can be replicated in communities across Pakistan and other developing regions.
The long-term vision is to promote environmentally sustainable systems that are accessible, cost-effective, and aligned with global climate goals.
Closing Statement
The participation of Muhammad Ameen Keryo at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand reflects a broader commitment to environmental leadership rooted in innovation and practical action. His work in wastewater treatment and constructed wetlands demonstrates how local solutions can contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts, positioning Pakistan as an active contributor to the future of climate-resilient development.
Tags: #GEFAssembly #GEF8 #CSONetwork #ClimateAction #Biodiversity #SustainableDevelopment #Samarkand2026 #muhammadameenkeryo #makes #samarkand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does GEF stand for?
GEF stands for the Global Environment Facility. It is an international partnership of 186 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives.
What is the GEF (Global Environment Facility)?
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral environmental fund established to tackle critical global environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, international waters, chemicals and waste, and sustainable forest management. It provides grants and financing to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment.
When was GEF established?
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in 1991 as a pilot program within the World Bank. It became a permanent, independent organization in 1994 following the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest environmental funding mechanisms.
What is the GEF program?
The GEF program is a global initiative that provides funding and technical support to developing countries to address environmental challenges. It operates through funding cycles — known as GEF replenishments — where donor countries contribute resources. The GEF-9 funding cycle (2026–2030), endorsed at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, includes a $3.9 billion replenishment to advance biodiversity, climate action, land restoration, and sustainable development projects worldwide.
What does GEF do?
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) funds projects and programs that protect the global environment and promote sustainable development. Its work spans biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, land and ecosystem restoration, ocean health, pollution reduction, and sustainable forest management. It also supports innovative solutions such as nature-based wastewater treatment, constructed wetland systems, and groundwater and underground water protection initiatives in developing nations.
Which conventions does GEF fund?
The GEF serves as a financial mechanism for several major international environmental conventions, including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
How to apply for GEF funding?
To apply for GEF funding, organizations typically work through GEF Agencies (such as UNDP, UNEP, the World Bank, or accredited national agencies). The process involves identifying a relevant GEF focal area, preparing a Project Identification Form (PIF) or concept note, and working with the national GEF Operational Focal Point in your country. Civil society organizations and NGOs can also engage through the GEF Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network, which Muhammad Ameen Keryo represented as GCN Regional Focal Point for South Asia at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand 2026.
What is the full form of GEF?
The full form of GEF is the Global Environment Facility. It is sometimes also referred to as the Global Environmental Facility in informal contexts, though its official name is the Global Environment Facility.
What does GEF mean in the context of environmental development?
In the context of environmental development, GEF means the Global Environment Facility — an international institution dedicated to protecting the global environment by financing projects in developing countries. GEF funding supports a wide range of activities, from protecting forests and oceans to addressing groundwater and underground water quality, reducing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and building climate resilience.
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