The GEF continually incorporates guidance from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties into its programs and operations, as described annually in its report to the COP. This booklet summarizes all guidance to the GEF dating from the first COP to COP26 and the corresponding GEF responses. This publication provides full documentation of the evolution of GEF activities and policies as informed by guidance from the COP.
The COP guidance and GEF responses contained in this booklet are presented in reverse chronological order, starting with COP 26 and ending with COP 1. The first chapter is updated annually to reflect the most recent COP guidance; however, sections corresponding to earlier COPs remain as published in prior years. Therefore, some responses within may appear outdated. Nevertheless, such information is helpful in following historical trends and in highlighting cumulative action. The booklet also contains annexes including the MOU between the COP and the GEF Council, guidelines for the review of the Financial Mechanism, and GEF project terms.