1. GEF National Dialogue Initiative Sub-Regional Workshop for GEF Focal Points in Middle East, North Africa & West Asia Cairo, Egypt, 20-22 October 2009

2. GEF CSP and NDI: Introduction  The Country Support Programme (CSP) and National Dialogue Initiative are Corporate programs of the GEF  Implemented by UNDP (and UNEP for CSP Component 1) on behalf of the GEF partnership – GEF Secretariat and Agencies - as such, UNDP/UNEP managerial and financial responsibility  Strategic guidance provided by Inter-Agency Steering Committee, chaired by the GEF CEO

3. GEF CSP and NDI: Introduction Shared global objectives of  Supporting GEF Focal Points and national stakeholders to strengthen national GEF coordination, integration, and priority-setting  Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue and exchange of information, knowledge, experiences  Participatory process embedded in GEF Instrument

4. GEF CSP and NDI: Introduction  Under the National Dialogue Initiative  To date, 93 National Dialogues successfully undertaken (including Country Dialogue Workshops since April 2000)  Dialogues have evolved in scope relative to GEF Council decisions  8 Sub-regional Consultations (2006)

5. GEF NDI: Global Objectives  Promote in-depth understanding of the GEF's strategic directions, policies and procedures  Strengthen country coordination and ownership in GEF operations  Share lessons learned from project implementation  Achieve greater integration of GEF activities into national planning frameworks  Increase coordination and synergies between GEF and convention issues at the national level

6. GEF NDI: Key Features of National Dialogues  Country-driven  Targeted agenda & objectives tailored to national needs; not cookie-cutter  Unique fora for broad, multi-stakeholder dialogue on GEF-related issues  Involve diversity of government ministries & agencies, NGOs, CBOs, academic & research institutions, private sector, donors, media, other partners, to enhance impact of GEF in the country  Involve range of GEF partners

7. GEF National Dialogue Initiative: Multi-stakeholder participation in 2008 Dialogues Funding provided for participation of all stakeholders

8. Requesting & Organizing a Dialogue  To apply to host a GEF National Dialogue, GEF OFPs send request to GEF CEO (with copy to NDI Global Manager)  Request letter should indicate: (a) key objectives and expected results of proposed National Dialogue (b) any possible linkages with other planned environmental consultations and events in your country  Requests are assessed and selected by GEF NDI Inter-Agency Steering Committee  Guide to Conducting a GEF National Dialogue available in English, French, and Spanish

9. Recent GEF National Dialogues in Middle East, North Africa & West Asia Countries in Middle East, North Africa & West Asia that have held GEF National Dialogues since 2004:  Jordan 2005  Morocco 2006  Iran 2007  Egypt 2008  Pakistan 2009

10. National Dialogue Initiative For more information on the NDI, please visit the program webpages at: www.gefcountrysupport.org specifically: http://www.gefcountrysupport.org/report_detail.cfm?projectId=164