A Bhutanese delegation led by the foreign minister Damcho Dorji attended the Sixth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Da Nang, Viet Nam from June 27-29.

A press release from the foreign ministry states that Lyonpo spoke on the worsening climate change faced by the world and its need for bold global solutions.

He called on donor agencies to pay attention to Bhutan and other transitioning countries in view of declining development assistance while mentioning the need to address many traditional and emerging challenges including those originating from climate change. 

“To mark the 25th Anniversary of the GEF Small Grant Programme alongside the Assembly, a set of Bhutanese stamps was officially launched by Lyonpo Damcho Dorji,” the press release states. 

The GEF is an international partnership established to address and tackle global environmental issues. The GEF Assembly gathers representatives from all 183-member countries and 18 agencies, civil society organisations and private sectors addressing global environmental issues to review general policies and celebrate past achievements. 

The Sixth assembly included the launch of its seventh cycle (GEF 7 Cycle), a roadmap for the next four years starting July 1, 2018. The press release states that in the preceding GEF Constituency Meeting, US$ 6 million was allocated to Bhutan for GEF 7 Cycle to aid in the funding of projects addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and land degradation.  

Staff Reporter

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