Ms. Marie-May Jeremie, Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, is representing the Republic of Seychelles at the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), from 30th May to 6th June 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The Assembly brings together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials, development partners and representatives of international organisations to discuss priorities for global environmental action, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
In her intervention, Minister Jeremie expressed Seychelles’ appreciation to donor partners for the successful replenishment of GEF-8 and welcomed ongoing discussions under the GEF-9 cycle aimed at enhancing support for vulnerable countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She also highlighted the critical role of the GEF in assisting countries to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the global biodiversity framework , and called for continued support for accessible, predictable and grant-based environmental financing.
Minister Jeremie also reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to advancing the sustainable management of its marine resources through the implementation of its Marine Spatial Plan and the achievement of the global 30x30 conservation target.
On the margins of the Assembly, Seychelles also engaged with a range of international partners and stakeholders to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas including biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, ocean governance, and climate adaptation.
The Assembly was preceded by the 71st meeting of the GEF Council. The meeting brought together 186 member countries of the fund, international organizations, financial institutions, environmental agencies, expert community, civil society, and the private sector. Council members considered funding for environmental and climate projects and in addition, defined key directions for international cooperation for the 2026–2030 period. Several decisions were adopted, including the evaluation of the operational policies and programs for GEF-financed activities.
The discussions and outcomes of the Assembly will contribute to supporting Seychelles’ efforts to mobilise resources, strengthen environmental resilience and advance sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Minister is accompanied by Mrs Nanette Laure, Principal Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, and Ms Rennie Mondon, Second Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, as members of the Seychelles delegation participating in the Assembly.
