Sudan Prepares Proposals for Ninth Global Environment Facility Cycle Amid Complex National Challenges

What happened

According to a report by AllAfrica Sudan, the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources convened a consultative workshop in Khartoum aimed at preparing Sudan’s proposals for the ninth cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9). The meeting involved aligning national priorities with GEF’s integrated focus on biodiversity, land degradation, climate change, and chemical and waste management.

Suleiman Al-Bouni Suleiman, Secretary-General of the Higher Council, emphasized the strategic direction of the GEF-9 cycle as enabling the Council to maximize impact and avoid duplication in funding, while addressing multiple environmental threats simultaneously. This integrated approach is intended to help Sudan design programmes that respond to urgent community needs.

UNDP Country Director Luca highlighted the consultations as a vital platform for defining Sudan’s environmental and climate priorities and framing project proposals that could support resilience-building, recovery, and sustainable development. He noted the cycle provides a strategic opportunity for Sudan, especially given the challenges posed by conflict, economic pressures, climate shocks, environmental degradation, and displacement.

Known from the source

• The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources held a workshop to prepare Sudan’s proposals for the GEF-9 cycle.
• GEF-9’s strategic direction focuses on integrated programs covering biodiversity, land degradation, climate change, and chemicals and waste management.
• The workshop aimed to align Sudan’s priorities with GEF-9 approaches to maximize impact and avoid duplication.
• UNDP’s Country Director described the GEF-9 cycle as an opportunity for funding and enhancing resilience amid Sudan’s multiple challenges including conflict and displacement.
• UNIDO pledged technical and financial support to assist Sudan’s Higher Council in preparing prioritized projects.

What remains unclear

Abdel Moneim Izhaq, representing UNIDO, reaffirmed technical and financial support commitments to help the Higher Council prepare priority projects. This assistance aims at bolstering resilience to climate change, resource-related conflicts, and the environmental consequences of ongoing war in Sudan.

What remains unclear: Additional independent sources confirming the specific project proposals and funding commitments arising from the workshop. Verification on the extent to which ongoing conflict and displacement are factored into the environmental project planning. Any further details about the environmental impact of the war as related to the proposed GEF projects. Ensure exact quotes and titles are consistent with source text.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: AllAfrica Sudan. Open the source.