Evaluation Report: Global Environment Facility - MOPAN Assessment Report

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is Finland’s main channel for international environmental financing to developing countries, and through GEF Finland fulfills its financial commitments under international climate and environmental agreements. In 2025, a MOPAN (Multilateral Performance Network) assessment of GEF was carried out, portraying GEF as a well-functioning multilateral fund.

The 2025 MOPAN assessment finds the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to be a key actor in addressing global environmental challenges. Its strategic vision, expressed through the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” framework, aligns closely with international commitments and conventions. GEF’s integrated programming approach and transparent resource allocation system (STAR) enable it to balance global ambitions with country priorities, while its grant-based financing model positions it as an innovator and catalyst within the multilateral system.

GEF demonstrates strong comparative advantages, including its reach across multiple conventions and its ability to foster coherence among climate and environment funds. Initiatives such as the Joint Action Plan with the Green Climate Fund exemplify its leadership in reducing fragmentation and promoting collaboration. Operational reforms have strengthened governance, clarified roles between the Secretariat and agencies, and improved monitoring and evaluation systems. Reporting is now more comprehensive, and the Secretariat remains lean and cost-efficient despite expanded responsibilities.

Performance evidence shows that GEF is largely achieving its objectives and exceeding co-financing targets, leveraging replenishment funds to attract additional financing. Integrated programmes are generating engagement and systemic change, though their complexity and pace of implementation remain challenges. Stakeholder engagement enhances sustainability and innovation, but increased demands on Operational Focal Points require structural adjustments at the country level to maintain effectiveness.

Looking ahead, GEF is well positioned to scale up its impact under the next replenishment cycle. Continued success will depend on strengthening country-level mechanisms, stimulating demand for non-grant instruments, mobilising new financiers, and allocating sufficient resources to priority areas such as private sector engagement and gender equality. Improving results frameworks to better track impact and inclusion, alongside maintaining leadership in system-wide coordination, will be critical to sustaining GEF’s relevance and effectiveness.

Publication

MOPAN Assessment Report: Global Environment Facility (GEF) (PDF, 96 pages, 5.7 MB)