IUCN congratulates Diego Mesa Puyo on his appointment as new CEO of the Global Environment Facility

Mesa Puyo takes on the position as the GEF enters its ninth funding cycle, and at a critical time for people and nature – just four years ahead of the 2030 targets for the Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN 2030 Agenda. A former minister in the Government of Colombia, he has a strong track record of advancing the energy transition and climate finance, along with years of experience at organisations such as the International Monetary Fund.

“We are at a critical moment for nature and people as we work towards the 2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Countries around the world are confronting complex environmental challenges, and many are responding with real ambition and leadership despite constraints in finance and competing priorities. Strong partnerships, effective international institutions, combined with support from the GEF, will be essential to turn that ambition into lasting impact,” said IUCN Director General, Dr Grethel Aguilar. “IUCN looks forward to working with Mr Diego Mesa Puyo and deepening our partnership with the GEF to support GEF Member Countries in delivering real, lasting environmental outcomes, both through our current portfolio and on the road toward GEF-9.”

Serving as a GEF Implementing Agency, IUCN mobilises significant funding and leverages its global network of experts and Members to deliver maximum impact from investment. IUCN's GEF portfolio comprises 74 projects in 53 countries with a total value of US$376.8 million, spanning several GEF focal areas, such as biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, international waters, land degradation, and chemicals and waste.