The Green Climate Fund (GCF) kickstarted its replenishment with an Initial Organisational Meeting (IOM) on 30-31 August, the first meeting in the replenishment process since its launch at the GCF Board meeting on 17-20 July. Organised by the GCF Secretariat and chaired by the GCF Board Co-Chairs, Tlou Emmanuel Ramaru and Jean-Christophe Donnellier, the virtual meeting convened representatives of  contributor countries (potential and existing), Board members, the GCF Trustee, and observers (GCF active observers and secretariats of the UNFCCC, Adaptation Fund and GEF) to discuss arrangements for GCF’s second replenishment.

During the two-day meeting, the participants discussed practical details such as the replenishment timeline, workplan, decision framework, invitation of additional observers, financial matters and selection of a facilitator.  Arrangements for the first and second consultation meetings and the high-level pledging conference were also discussed. It was confirmed that the first consultation meeting will be online and held in early December, followed by the second consultation meeting in April 2023 and culminating with the pledging conference in September 2023. Discussion on identifying hosts for the second consultation meeting and pledging conference will continue.

The meeting also set the foundation for the second replenishment with reiteration by the GCF Executive Director Yannick Glemarec on the importance of an ambitious and successful replenishment.  In light of the current global challenges and shrinking climate window, climate ambition and action must be urgently realised.  As GCF takes stock of the progress and results it has achieved programmatically and operationally over the past three years, it is poised to make even greater catalytic impact. 

GCF has a critical role to play in reaching net-zero and mobilising and delivering scaled up financial flows, especially for adaptation.  More than ever, the replenishment of GCF is essential to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and building the spirit of cooperation among countries to achieve truly global climate action.