1. One of the most valuable stakeholders in the GEF is civil society
One of the most valuable stakeholders in the GEF is civil society. I’m sure that all of you work in your countries in partnership with civil society organizations in different aspects. The GEF was one of the first international financial institutions to actively engage CSOs in its projects and programs as well as its policies.
GEF Regional Civil Society Dialogue GEF East Africa ECW: Kigali, Rwanda

2. Background and Objective
The GEF has a long history organizing civil society meetings in conjunction with its ECWs
This dialogue – responding to the GEF’s updated civil society vision - includes an expanded number of CSOs and an increased ambition to facilitate a constructive dialogue between CSOs, GEF national focal points and agencies about opportunities to enhance stakeholder and civil society engagement in GEF programs and operations

3. Value of civil society engagement in the GEF
Enhance recipient country ownership and accountability
Liaise with communities and other local stakeholders
Infuse skills, experiences, and knowledge
Serve as facilitators, conveners and advocates
One of the most valuable stakeholders in the GEF is civil society. I’m sure that all of you work in your countries in partnership with civil society organizations in different aspects. The GEF was one of the first international financial institutions to actively engage CSOs in its projects and programs as well as its policies.
When in the GEF we talk about civil society, we’re referring to non-state actors, encompassing NGOs, IPs, women and men, workers, trade unions, etc. This definition is included in the Policy on Stakeholder Engagement that I will present later.
Value of civil society engagement in the GEF

4. GEF and Civil Society 1992: GEF Small Grants Programme
1995: GEF Independent NGO network (a.k.a GEF’s CSO network)
1996: GEF Public Involvement Policy
2017: GEF Policy on Stakeholder Engagement
2017: GEF Policy on Gender Equality
2017: GEF Updated Vision to Enhance Engagement of Civil Society
2018: GEF Environmental and Social Safeguards
2018: GEF Policy on Access to Information
The CSO Network – created in 1995 as an independent network of CSOs working in areas aligned with the GEF mandate. From the early days of the GEF until 2009, the GEF Secretariat had an accreditation system in place where CSOs working in areas related to the GEF could apply to be accredited to the GEF. In 2009, the Council approved the change of the accreditation to membership of the Network. The GEF Secretariat has worked with the Network in throughout the years. Financing and facilitating their participation in Council meetings and other GEF Sec led events. In engagement on policy design, training and providing financial support.

5. CSOs Roles Serve as project executors/co-executors
Leverage co-financing
Provide expert local knowledge to project design and implementation
Participate in monitoring of project impacts and outcomes
Influence policy and advocating for the GEF’s mission and in replenishment processes
Serve as GEF Project Agencies (WWF, IUCN, CI)
CSOs Roles

6. Updated Civil Society Vision
Objectives
Strengthen projects through local knowledge
Increase impact of GEF investments
Strengthen monitoring and evaluation functions of GEF’s project implementation and performance
Improve transparency and awareness of the GEF at the local and national level
Enhance GEF’s policies and strategies

7. Updated Civil Society Vision Statement
GEF achieves greater results and impact through collaboration with CSOs
Civil society contribute to projects on the ground by building awareness, engaging with recipient country governments, and participating with Council members
Civil Society play an advisory role for the GEF Council on institutional policies and guidelines and helps formulate strategies effectively
GEF CSO Network plays a key role role in advocacy and outreach to civil society at the global level by supporting dissemination of information and contributing to policy and strategy development

8. Areas of Enhanced Engagement
Continued support of civil society engagement at the national and regional levels (GEF project cycle and GEF Country Support Programme)
Continued strengthening of civil society to engage with the GEF (GEF Country Support Programme –ECWs, IPAC GGP etc. )
Selection of CSO Representation at GEF Council Consultations and Meetings (CSO network and CSO with technical expertise)
Structure of Council - CSO Consultations and at Council Meetings (preparatory meetings and rules of procedures)
CSO engagement in other activities (Assembly, Policy Development etc.)

9. contact For more information Pilar Barrera Rey
Senior Operations Officer, Partnerships Coordinator

10. Group Discussion What are some key remaining the challenges?
What are some key lessons learned about GEF’s civil society engagement at both policy and project level?
What are some key remaining the challenges?
What could be done better moving forward?