Board decisions

The Board, having considered limited distribution document GCF/BM-2020/15 titled “Performance review and appointment of members of the Accreditation Panel”:

1. Takes note of the detailed report on the performance review of each member of the Accreditation Panel prepared by the independent consultant pursuant to decision BM-2020/01 and in line with decision B.BM-2017/03, paragraph (e), as set out in annex II to document GCF/BM-2017/09;
2. Considers that the performance of each member of the Accreditation Panel during the current term of their membership has been satisfactory;
3. Decides to re-appoint the following members of the Accreditation Panel for another consecutive term, starting on 1 May 2021, and expiring on 30 April 2024:
   1. Mr. Mark Alloway (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; expertise area: fiduciary); and
   2. Mr. Yogesh Vyas (United States of America; expertise area: ESS and gender), for a second term to the AP; and
4. Endorses the nomination by the Accreditation Committee of the following experts to the Accreditation Panel for one term starting on 1 May 2021, and expiring on 30 April 2024:
   1. Mr. Vikesh Mirani (India; expertise area: fiduciary);
   2. Mr. Ben Boxer (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; expertise area: fiduciary);
   3. Ms. Binny Prabhakar (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and India; expertise area: ESS and gender); and
   4. Ms. Natalie Unterstell (Brazil; expertise area: fiduciary, ESS and gender.

The Board, having considered the document GCF/BM-2020/13 titled “Appointment of members of the Ethics and Audit Committee”:

Appoints as member of the Ethics and Audit Committee:

1. Ms. Niamh McGuire, replacing Mr. Stefan Marco Schwager.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.26/03 titled “Consideration of accreditation proposals, including consideration of the reaccreditation deadline”:

1. Takes note with appreciation of the assessments conducted by the Secretariat and the Accreditation Panel contained within the relevant annexes for the following applicants:
   1. Applicant 099 (APL099) is La Banque Agricole (LBA) based in Senegal, as contained in annex II;
   2. Applicant 100 (APL100) is the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) based in Japan, as contained in annex IV to document GCF/B.26/03; and
   3. Applicant 101 (APL101) is the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) based in Austria, as contained in annex III;
2. Approves the accreditation of applicants APL099 and APL101, pursuant to paragraph 45 of the Governing Instrument for the GCF, subject to, and in accordance with, the assessments by the Accreditation Panel contained in the relevant annexes for each of the applicants, and subject to the completion of Stage III of the accreditation by having an effective accreditation master agreement, in accordance with decision B.23/11;
3. Decides, at the request of APL100, to defer the consideration of APL100, as contained in annex IV to document GCF/B.26/03, until no later than the twenty-eighth meeting of the Board;
4. Takes note with appreciation of the assessment conducted by the Secretariat and the Accreditation Panel contained within the relevant annex for the following applicant seeking to upgrade its accreditation type:
   1. Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. (PCA) based in the United States of America, as contained in annex IV;
5. Agrees to upgrade the accreditation type of the Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. as contained in decision B.21/16, paragraph (b), subject to, and in accordance with, the assessment by the Accreditation Panel contained in annex IV;
6. Takes note that, pursuant to decision B.08/03, paragraph (k), the Secretariat, in consultation with the Accreditation Panel, is proposing that the eligibility to apply under the fast-track accreditation process be extended to those entities listed in annex V;
7. Decides that those entities referred to in annex V are also eligible to apply under the fast-track accreditation process for the standards of GCF in accordance with decision B.08/03, paragraph (f), for entities under the Adaptation Fund;
8. Also decides, pursuant to decision B.24/13, paragraph (a), and on an extraordinary basis due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, that the Secretariat may issue a one-time extension for a period of six months to the deadline for submission of a re-accreditation application, subject to a justified request from the accredited entities to GCF;
9. Agrees that, during the extended period referenced in paragraph (h) above, the accredited entity shall not be able to submit any new funding proposals or Project Preparation Facility requests to GCF for consideration. The accredited entity may, through the relevant national designated authority(ies), seek support through the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme; and
10. Decides that the Secretariat may still issue the extension established in paragraph 18 of annex XXVI to decision B.24/13 should GCF require additional time for review and consideration of re-accrediting an accredited entity.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.26/02/Rev.02 titled “Consideration of funding proposals”:

1. Takes note of the following funding proposals:
   1. Funding proposal 129 titled “Afghanistan Rural Energy Market Transformation Initiative – Strengthening Resilience of Livelihoods Through Sustainable Energy Access”, by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.01 and Add.19;
   2. Funding proposal 130 titled “Indonesia REDD-plus RBP for results period 2014-2016”, by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.02 and Add.19;
   3. Funding proposal 131 titled “Improving Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Communities and Ecosystems in the Gandaki River Basin, Nepal”, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.03 and Add.19;
   4. Funding proposal 132 titled “Enabling Implementation of Forest Sector Reform in Georgia to Reduce GHG Emissions from Forest Degradation”, by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.04 and Add.19;
   5. Funding proposal 133 titled “Resilience to hurricanes in the building sector in Antigua and Barbuda”, by the Department of Environment, Ministry of Health and Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.05 and Add.19;
   6. Funding proposal 134 titled “Colombia REDD+ Results-based Payments for results period 2015-2016”, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.06 and Add.19;
   7. Funding proposal 135 titled “Ecosystem-based Adaptation in the Indian Ocean – EBA IO”, by the Agence Française de Développement, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.07 and Add.19;
   8. Funding proposal 136 titled “Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods Project”, by the World Bank, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.08 and Add.19;
   9. Funding proposal 137 titled “Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project”, by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.09 and Add.19;
   10. Funding proposal 138 titled “ASER Solar Rural Electrification Project”, by the Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.10 and Add.19;
   11. Funding proposal 139 titled “Building resilience in the face of climate change within traditional rain fed agricultural and pastoral systems in Sudan”, by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.11 and Add.19;
   12. Funding proposal 140 titled “High Impact Programme for the Corporate Sector”, by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.12 and Add.16;
   13. Simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 014 titled “Forest resilience of Armenia, enhancing adaptation and rural green growth via mitigation”, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.13 and Add.19;
   14. Simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 015 titled “Promoting zero-deforestation cocoa production for reducing emissions in Côte d’Ivoire (PROMIRE)”, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.14 and Add.19; and
   15. Simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 016 titled “Fiji Agrophotovoltaic Project in Ovalau”, by the Fiji Development Bank, as contained in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.15 and Add.17; and
2. Approves funding proposal 129 for the amount of USD 17,198,843, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
3. Also approves funding proposal 130 for the amount of USD 103,781,250, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
4. Further approves funding proposal 131 for the amount of USD 27,404,139, submitted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
5. Approves funding proposal 132 for the amount of EUR 32,791,621, submitted by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
6. Also approves funding proposal 133 for the amount of USD 32,706,595, submitted by the Department of Environment, Ministry of Health and Environment of Antigua and Barbuda, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
7. Further approves funding proposal 134 for the amount of USD 28,208,123, submitted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
8. Takes note of the absence of an internationally agreed definition on high forest cover, low deforestation (HFLD) countries;
9. Also takes note of the recommendations by the independent Technical Advisory Panel and the Secretariat in relation to funding proposal 134 to consider the specific circumstances of Colombia as a high forest cover, low deforestation (HFLD) country for the purpose of the pilot programme for REDD-plus results-based payments;
10. Decides that the approval of the funding proposal 134 does not set a precedent for future proposals that may request payments from the GCF for REDD-plus results under the pilot programme nor prejudge any future decisions of the Board on the establishment or form of a future REDD-plus results-based payment programme;
11. Approves funding proposal 135 for the amount of USD 38,000,000, submitted by the Agence Française de Développement, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
12. Also approves funding proposal 136 for the amount of USD 165,237,592, submitted by the World Bank, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
13. Further approves funding proposal 137 for the amount of USD 30,100,000, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
14. Approves funding proposal 138 for the amount of EUR 75,445,176, submitted by the Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
15. Also approves, pursuant to a vote in which 23 of the Board members present voted in favour and 1 of the Board members present voted against, and in respect of which none of the Board members present abstained from the vote, funding proposal 139 for the amount of USD 25,645,114, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
16. Further approves funding proposal 140 for the amount of USD 258,030,000, submitted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.16;
17. Approves simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 014 for the amount of USD 10,000,000, submitted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
18. Also approves simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 015 for the amount of USD 10,000,000, submitted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.19;
19. Further approves simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 016 for the amount of USD 5,000,000, submitted by the Fiji Development Bank, subject to the conditions set out in annex I and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.26/02/Add.17;
20. Reaffirms that pursuant to annex IV to decision B.17/09, the Executive Director or his designee is authorized to negotiate and enter into legal agreements on behalf of the GCF with accredited entities and other parties involved in respect of funding proposals approved by the Board, taking into account any condition approved by the Board in this decision and in the decision accrediting the relevant accredited entity; and
21. Authorizes the Secretariat to disburse fees for each funded project/programme approved by the Board as per the disbursement schedule to be agreed in the funded activity agreement in accordance with the policy on fees and the general principles and indicative list of eligible costs covered under GCF fees and project management costs adopted by the Board pursuant to decision B.19/09.

The Board, having considered limited distribution document GCF/B.26/04 titled “Status of approved funding proposals: extension of deadline in respect of FP114 (Program on Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA): Financing Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices in Ghana)

Decides to extend the deadline until 19 December 2020 for the submission by the accredited entity of a certificate or legal opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretariat, confirming that the accredited entity has obtained all final internal approvals needed by it and has the capacity and authority to implement the proposed project for the following approved funding proposal:

1. FP114, titled “Program on Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA): Financing Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices in Ghana”.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.26/07 titled “Status of approved funding proposals: extension of deadline in respect of FP122 (Blue Action Fund (BAF): GCF Ecosystem Based Adaptation Programme in the Western Indian Ocean)”

Decides to extend the deadline until 13 November 2020 for the execution of the funded activity agreement, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Secretariat, for the following approved funding proposal:

1. FP122, titled “Blue Action Fund (“BAF”): GCF Ecosystem Based Adaptation Programme in the Western Indian Ocean”.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.26/05 titled “Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme – work programme and budget 2020–2021”:

1. Reaffirms that the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme is a strategic priority for GCF to enhance country ownership and access to GCF, and strengthen strategic programming during 2020–2023;
2. Recalls decision B.22/11, and reaffirms that the objectives and outcomes for the revised Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme in document GCF/B.22/08 remain for 2020–2021;
3. Adopts the proposed work programme for 2020–2021 as contained in annex VI;
4. Requests the Secretariat to ensure that readiness support for resilient recovery efforts is fully consistent with the existing mandates and decisions of the Board with respect to the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme and follows a country-driven and country ownership principle;
5. Notes the estimated budget for the period 2020−2021 as included in the work programme for 2020–2021 contained in annex VI;
6. Approves an additional amount of USD 162.39 million to be made available for the execution of the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme;
7. Requests the Secretariat to report on the implementation of the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme at the second Board meeting of each year; and
8. Further requests the Secretariat to ensure full compliance with Board-approved integrity policies, standards and decisions in the Readiness Guidebook, Administrative Instruction and Standard Operating Procedures developed for the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, as well as other relevant enhanced Standard Operating Procedures or procedures bearing implications on the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme.

The Board, having considered the document GCF/BM-2020/11 titled “Appointment of members of the Performance Oversight Committee of the Executive Director and Heads of Independent Units”:

Appoints as members of the Performance Oversight Committee of the Executive Director and Heads of Independent Units, for a term starting on 1 July 2020:

1. Mr. Terje Kronen; and
2. Mr. Ayman Shasly.

The Board, having considered document GCF/BM-2020/09 titled “Audited financial statements of the Green Climate Fund for the year ended 31 December 2019”:

Approves the audited financial statements of the Green Climate Fund for the year ended 31 December 2019 as contained in annex I.

The Board, having considered document GCF/BM-2020/10 titled “Dates and venues for GCF Board meetings in 2020”:

1. Takes note of decision B.23/18 that agreed the dates for the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh meetings of the Board;
2. Notes the Board’s decisions B.25/01 and B.25/02 that recognize the exceptional circumstances created by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the impact this is having on the operations of GCF (including the Board, Secretariat, independent units, accredited entities, and national designated authorities) as well as on other international entities;
3. Also notes that these exceptional circumstances have resulted in strict health guidance that includes, but is not limited to, directives to remain at home, international and domestic travel restrictions, and closed borders;
4. Reaffirms the importance of GCF remaining operational to implement its mandate, given the current exceptional circumstances;
5. Notes decision B.24/04, in particular paragraph (e), and confirms that the scope of work remaining for 2020 should ensure the approval of essential administrative and programmatic decisions, consideration of policy items, and monitoring of implementation and standards compliance;
6. Takes note of the Co-Chairs’ Consultation Plan for 2020, and welcomes the ongoing consultation process on policy items to seek consensus as soon as possible, taking into consideration the current exceptional circumstances;
7. Agrees and confirms that the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board will take place from 18–21 August 2020, for no more than four hours per day;
8. Also agrees, and confirms, without prejudice to paragraph 17 of the Rules of Procedure of the Board, that the twenty-seventh meeting of the Board will take place during the week commencing 9 November 2020;
9. Further confirms that unless the circumstances allow for a physical Board meeting, the Board meetings in 2020 will be held as net-meetings;
10. Underscores the importance of the full participation and involvement of the entire Board from all constituencies in the Board meetings and pre-Board meeting consultation process as an essential condition for holding an effective and full participatory meeting;
11. Requests the Secretariat to take appropriate steps to ensure the full and effective participation of all Board members, alternate members and advisers in the virtual meeting, including testing the technology and providing support to developing countries in particular;
12. Ensures that technical settings are in place for the full participation of active observers and that the standard webcasting will be available for all observers;
13. Instructs the Secretariat to urgently issue the logistics note for the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board, and to make other arrangements for the meeting; and
14. Requests the Co-Chairs to continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of GCF, and to report to the Board appropriately.

The Board, having considered document GCF/BM-2020/08 titled “Extension of the term of the members of Accreditation Panel”:

Decides, pursuant to decision B.BM-2018/02, paragraphs (c) and (d), to extend – on an extraordinary basis due to the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic – the current term of the following Accreditation Panel members as referenced in said decision from 17 October 2020 to 30 April 2021:

1. Mr. Mark Alloway;
2. Mr. Max Contag;
3. Mr. Antonio G. M. La Viña;
4. Ms. Anastasia Northland;
5. Mr. Godfrey Tumusiime; and
6. Mr. Yogesh Vyas.

The Board, having considered the document GCF/BM-2020/07 titled “Appointment of members of the Accreditation Committee”

Appoints as members of the Accreditation Committee:

1. Ms. Karina Ramirez Arras; and
2. Ms. Johanna Pietikäinen, replacing Mr. Hans Olav Ibrekk.
    

The Board, having considered documents GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01 and GCF/BM-2020/06 titled “Consideration of accreditation proposals”:

1. Takes note with appreciation of the assessments conducted by the Secretariat and the Accreditation Panel contained within the relevant annexes for the following applicants:
   1. Applicant 097 (APL097) is the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) based in Bhutan, as contained in annex III to document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01; and
   2. Applicant 098 (APL098) is the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia (TDB Mongolia)) based Mongolia, as contained in annex IV to document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01;
2. Approves the accreditation of applicants APL097 and APL098, pursuant to paragraph 45 of the Governing Instrument for the GCF, subject to, and in accordance with, the assessments by the Accreditation Panel contained in the relevant annexes to document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01 for each of the applicants and the completion of Stage III of the accreditation by having an effective accreditation master agreement, in accordance with decision B.23/11;
3. Takes note with appreciation of the assessment conducted by the Secretariat and the Accreditation Panel contained within the relevant annex of document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01 for the following applicant seeking to upgrade its accreditation type:
   1. Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), as contained in annex V to document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01; and
4. Agrees to upgrade the accreditation type of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation as contained in decision B.10/06, paragraph (c), subject to, and in accordance with, the assessment by the Accreditation Panel contained in annex V to document GCF/B.25/13/Rev.01.

The Board, having considered document GCF/BM-2020/05 titled “Implementation of the performance evaluation and performance-related pay for Board-appointed officials”:

1. Confirms the need to engage an independent external human resources firm to provide specialist support to the Performance Oversight Committee in the conduct of the performance evaluation of the Heads of Independent Units and the Executive Director and the implementation of the pay increase system;
2. Endorses the terms of reference of the independent external human resources firms as set out in annex I to this document;
3. Decides that the Performance Oversight Committee, with support by the Secretariat, will engage the independent external human resources firm consistent with GCF procurement guidelines;
4. Approves the performance evaluation and performance-related pay systems as set out in annexes II and III;
5. Endorses the 360-degree methodology described in annex III as the assessment tool to be adopted for Board-appointed officials for development purposes; and
6. Approves the provision of an annual budget of USD 60,000 to implement the performance evaluation and performance-related pay systems.

The Board, recalling decision B.23/18:

1. Recognizes the current extraordinary circumstances resulting from the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus;
2. Takes note that the Co-Chairs, guided by the best interests of the GCF pursuant to paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the Board, and on an exceptional basis and in light of such current extraordinary circumstances, decided to change the venue of the twenty-fifth meeting of the Board to Geneva, Switzerland;
3. Confirms that the invocation by the Co-Chairs of paragraph 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the Board was warranted on an exceptional basis and in light of the current extraordinary circumstances;
4. Ratifies the decision of the Co-Chairs to move the venue of the twenty-fifth meeting of the Board to Geneva, Switzerland; and
5. Welcomes with appreciation the decision of the Government of Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva to host the twenty-fifth meeting of the Board at short notice.

The Board, having considered the risks relating to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus as well as the prevailing uncertainty and current extraordinary circumstances arising out of the COVID-19 virus outbreak:

1. Recognizes its duty to act in the best interests of the GCF and its duty of care towards staff, consultants and interns of the GCF;
2. Takes note of the measures which have been put in place by the Executive Director to protect the health and welfare of GCF staff, consultants and interns, including the option for staff, consultants and interns to work remotely under special flexible working arrangements;
3. Decides to ban all GCF-related events organized by the Secretariat effective Monday, 16 March 2020 for a period of 30 calendar days;
4. Also decides that the independent units shall take the same measures with respect to recall of their respective staff, consultants and interns; official travel; and organization of events, as well as other measures relating to the response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak as those taken by the Secretariat, and in the event that the head of the relevant independent unit wishes to deviate from the measures put in place by the Secretariat, such deviation shall require the approval of the Board;
5. Authorizes the Executive Director to explore options for hosting a core group of up to 35 Secretariat staff in partner organizations in the event that alternative working arrangements need to be put in place in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, without establishing a second formal country presence of the GCF, on the basis of the following criteria:
   1. The willingness or expression of interest of prospective partner organizations to host a core group of GCF personnel on a temporary basis in its network of offices;
   2. The existence of a bilateral agreement on privileges and immunities between the relevant countries in which the partner organization may offer office space to the GCF, or the ability of such prospective country to provide privileges and immunities to the GCF as are necessary for the fulfilment of its purposes and to the officials of the GCF as are necessary for the independent exercise of their official functions in connection with the GCF, on a temporary basis;
   3. The availability of adequate local facilities necessary to support the operations of the GCF and the core group of staff, including in relation to financial services; housing options; local and international transport facilities, taking into consideration any existing travel restrictions; and state-of-the-art teleconference and videoconference facilities;
   4. The willingness of the prospective partner organization(s) or countries to consider shared financial and administrative arrangements;
   5. The prevalence and ability of the relevant countries to respond promptly and effectively to the COVID-19 virus; and
   6. The diplomatic representations and the presence of other international organizations in the relevant countries;
6. Also authorizes the Executive Director to activate the alternative working arrangements referred to in paragraph (e) above, in the event it becomes necessary, to mitigate the impact of the spread of the COVID-19 virus on the achievement of the Secretariat’s key performance indicators, it being understood that while the alternative working arrangements may need to be put in place until the twenty-seventh meeting of the Board, such arrangements will only be used on an “as needed” basis and activated for the minimum amount of time necessary;
7. Approves a contingency budget in an amount equal to 2 per cent of the administrative budget of the Secretariat to cover costs relating to the activation of alternative working arrangements until the originally scheduled dates for the twenty-seventh meeting of the Board;
8. Requests the Executive Director to consult with the Budget Committee on how such contingency budget should be allocated to specific line items;
9. Decides that although reallocation between line items in the contingency budget is permitted, no reallocation from the contingency budget to the administrative budgets of the Secretariat and the independent units is permitted;
10. Requests the Executive Director to ensure that there is a standing delegation of authority to a competent official who can implement or activate the measures referred to in paragraphs (e) and (f) above in a prompt manner in the event that the Executive Director is unavailable to take a decision on such matters and an urgent decision is required;
11. Also requests the Executive Director and the Co-Chairs to hold regular discussions, as appropriate, in relation to any measures implemented pursuant to this decision;
12. Confirms that if the Executive Director, or his delegee, proposes measures which fall outside of the authorities provided in this decision, such measures may not be implemented without the approval of the Board;
13. Reaffirms that the Headquarters of the GCF remain in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea, in accordance with decision 6/CP.18 of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and in accordance with the Agreement between the Republic of Korea and the Green Climate Fund concerning the Headquarters of the Green Climate Fund; and
14. Decides to review the implementation of this decision on the originally scheduled dates for the twenty-seventh meeting of the Board (22 to 24 October 2020).

The Board:

1. Takes note of the “Final report of the review of the effectiveness of committees and group established by the Board”, the independent review of committees, panels and groups presented at the twenty-fourth meeting of the Board in document GCF/B.24/Inf.15/Add.01;
2. Notes its decision B.05/12, paragraphs (a) and (b), and document GCF/B.05/12 titled “General Guidelines for Committees and Panels”;
3. Requests the Co-Chairs to consult Board and alternate members, as well as the various committees, with a view to concluding the review of committees, panels and groups no later than the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board;
4. Invites Board and alternate members, as well as committees, to present views on the independent review no later than 10 April 2020 in order to inform the Co-Chairs’ consultations;
5. Requests the Co-Chairs, in accordance with decision B.05/12, paragraph (b), to present updated general guidelines for committees and panels for consideration at the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board; and
6. Reiterates decision B.23/03, paragraph (c), and urges the Co-Chairs to undertake pre-Board meeting consultations in an open, inclusive, consultative and transparent manner with regard to the documents referred to in paragraphs (c) and (e) above.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.25/02/Rev.01 titled “Consideration of funding proposals”:

1. Takes note of the following funding proposals:
   1. Funding proposal 124 titled “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Subsistence Farmers and Agricultural Plantation Communities residing in the vulnerable river basins, watershed areas and downstream of the Knuckles Mountain Range Catchment of Sri Lanka”, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.01 and Add.10/Rev.01;
   2. Funding proposal 125 titled “Strengthening the resilience of smallholder agriculture to climate change-induced water insecurity in the Central Highlands and South-Central Coast regions of Vietnam”, by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.02 and Add.10/Rev.01;
   3. Funding proposal 126 titled “Increased climate resilience of rural households and communities through the rehabilitation of production landscapes in selected localities of the Republic of Cuba (IRES)", by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.03 and Add.10/Rev.01;
   4. Funding proposal 127 titled “Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Zimbabwe", by the United Nations Development Programme, as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.04 and Add.10/Rev.01;
   5. Funding proposal 128 titled “Arbaro Fund – Sustainable Forestry Fund”, by MUFG Bank, Ltd., as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.07; and
   6. Simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 013 titled “Scaling Smart, Solar, Energy Access Microgrids in Haiti”, by Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, as contained in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.08;
2. Approves funding proposal 124 for the amount of USD 39,775,000, submitted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.10/Rev.01;
3. Also approves funding proposal 125 for the amount of USD 30,205,367, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.10/Rev.01;
4. Further approves, pursuant to a vote in which 22 of the Board members present voted in favour and none of the Board members present voted against, and in respect of which none of the Board members present abstained from the vote, funding proposal 126 for the amount of USD 38,206,791, submitted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.10/Rev.01;
5. Approves funding proposal 127 for the amount of USD 26,574,567, submitted by the United Nations Development Programme, subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.10/Rev.01;
6. Also approves funding proposal 128 for the amount of USD 25,000,000, submitted by the MUFG Bank, Ltd., subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.07;
7. Further approves simplified approval process (SAP) funding proposal 013 for the amount of USD 9,900,000, submitted by the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, subject to the conditions set out in annex II and in the respective term sheet set out in document GCF/B.25/02/Add.08;
8. Reaffirms that, pursuant to annex IV to decision B.17/09, the Executive Director or his designee is authorized to negotiate and enter into legal agreements on behalf of the GCF with accredited entities and other parties involved in respect of funding proposals approved by the Board, taking into account any condition approved by the Board in this decision and in the decision accrediting the relevant accredited entity; and
9. Authorizes the Secretariat to disburse fees for each funded project/programme approved by the Board as per the disbursement schedule to be agreed in the funded activity agreement in accordance with the policy on fees and the general principles and indicative list of eligible costs covered under GCF fees and project management costs adopted by the Board pursuant to decision B.19/09.

The Board, having considered document GCF/BM-2020/01 titled “Implementation matters relating to the GCF’s obligations under the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment”:

1. Reiterates the commitment of the GCF to the highest standards of integrity, including its zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment;
2. Decides that the provisions of the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment relating to third parties (including Counterparties and Victims that are not Covered Individuals, each as defined in the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment) are to be reviewed and revised and, pending the outcome of such review and revision, are inoperative;
3. Takes note that, subject to paragraph (b) above, the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment is in effect;
4. Requests the Secretariat to present to the Board, no later than its twenty-seventh meeting, the proposed revisions of the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment, in line with best practices among international financial institutions and the business model of the GCF;
5. Also requests the Secretariat to assess the cost implications of implementation of the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment and to submit to the Budget Committee a budget request for its consideration prior to its presentation to the Board at its twenty-seventh meeting; and
6. Further requests the Secretariat to present to the Board for its consideration, no earlier than the consideration of the proposed revisions to the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment described in paragraph (d) above, amendments to the relevant standards, safeguards and policies of the GCF, to address the requirements placed on accredited entities to integrate the obligations set out in the Policy on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment.

The Board, having considered limited distribution document GCF/BM-2020/04 titled “Status of approved funding proposals: major change to FP027 (Universal Green Energy Access Programme)”:

1. Takes note of the no-objection letters submitted by Ethiopia and Uganda for FP027;
2. Approves the inclusion of Ethiopia and Uganda as host countries for FP027;
3. Also approves the waiver of the drawing condition set out in the approved term sheet for FP027, as described in document GCF/BM-2020/04; and
4. Authorizes the Secretariat to negotiate the funded activity agreement for FP027, which shall reflect the changes hereby approved, as contained in document GCF/BM-2020/04.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.25/06 titled “Co-Chairs proposal: Guidance from the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the Parties”:

1. Takes note of this report, including the actions to be undertaken by the Board and the Secretariat in 2020 in response to guidance received from the Parties during the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the Parties, as contained in annex I; and
2. Confirms that, in accordance with paragraph 18(n) of the Governing Instrument for the Green Climate Fund, as well as decision B.13/11 on the relationship of the Green Climate Fund with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change thematic bodies, the engagement of the Board with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change constituted bodies is determined by the Board and in the context of the agreed Board workplan and priorities.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.25/12 titled “Review of the simplified approval process pilot scheme”, and with reference to decision B.18/06, which mandated the review of the simplified approval process pilot scheme:

Requests the Secretariat to further develop the simplified approval process for Board consideration by the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board.

The Board, having considered document GCF/B.25/10 titled “Revision of the structure and operations of the independent Technical Advisory Panel”:

1. Takes note of the independent consultant’s report of the same title as presented in annex II of document GCF/B.25/10;
2. Decides to reappoint, as an exception to paragraph 12 of annex I to decision B.BM-2018/09, the following members of the independent Technical Advisory Panel for a 1.5-year term starting on the date of the expiration of their current term:
   1. Mr. Ahsan Ahmed;
   2. Ms. Claudia Martinez; and
   3. Mr. Joe Yamagata;
3. Also decides to amend the terms of reference of the independent Technical Advisory Panel to increase the size of the Panel from 6 members to 10 members by the end of 2020;
4. Requests the Secretariat to launch a call for experts immediately in order to identify suitable candidates to join the independent Technical Advisory Panel as members;
5. Also requests the Secretariat to recruit one administrative support consultant to report to and work directly with the Chair of independent Technical Advisory Panel, but shall be hosted by and located in the Secretariat for administrative purposes;
6. Further requests the Investment Committee to nominate additional experts as members of the independent Technical Advisory Panel by the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board, with due consideration given to the geographic and specialty coverage in accordance with the updated terms of reference of the independent Technical Advisory Panel;
7. Requests the Secretariat to improve the contracting modality for the roster of experts for use by the independent Technical Advisory Panel to ensure quick deployment and utilization;
8. Approves an additional administrative budget for the Board for the year 2020 in the amount of USD 338,800 to cover the additional four members of the independent Technical Advisory Panel, the administrative support consultant, and the operationalization of the roster of experts. This approval is in addition to the USD 3,673,720 approved via decision B.24/05, paragraph (f), thus bringing the total administrative budget for the Board for the year 2020 to USD 4,012,520; and
9. Requests the Secretariat, in consultation with the Investment Committee and the independent Technical Advisory Panel, to propose updates to the operational modalities of the independent Technical Advisory Panel to accommodate the increased workload by the twenty-sixth meeting of the Board.

The Board, having considered limited distribution document GCF/B.25/04 titled “Status of approved funding proposals: Extension of deadline in respect of FP104 (Nigeria Solar IPP Support Program)”:

1. Recalls decision B.24/10;
2. Notes with concern the delay in the implementation of FP104;
3. Decides to extend the deadline until 21 August 2020 for the submission by the accredited entity of a certificate or legal opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretariat, confirming that the accredited entity has obtained all final internal approvals needed by it and has the capacity and authority to implement the proposed project for the following approved funding proposal:
   1. FP104, titled “Nigeria Solar IPP Support Program”;
4. Recognizes that in light of the repeated requests to extend the deadline referred to in paragraph (c) above, the Board may be unwilling to grant any further extension beyond 21 August 2020; and
5. Requests the Secretariat to present to the Board at its twenty-sixth meeting a status update on the implementation progress of FP104 and, as appropriate, any lessons learned relating to projects whose deadlines have been extended by the Board.