Lulama Luti
Today, the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Development Planning welcomes over 100 delegates from 40 countries across the Southern African region to the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s annual Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW), hosted by GEF and its partners.
The four-day workshop, held in Sandton, Johannesburg, will bring together GEF international executives, project leads, focal points from developing countries, CSO representatives, Southern African municipal and city officials, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, officials from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the United Nations Environment Programme, among others.
According to Susan Waithaka, Senior Country Programme Officer for GEF, the workshop aims to enhance the capacity of developing nations to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, while supporting land and ocean health in pursuit of international environmental goals. The event will also spotlight the outcomes of the GEF-6 Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot project, which is being implemented in Johannesburg.
“The ECW will further focus on GEF’s strategies for investing in global environmental benefits across its focal areas.
“As part of the workshop, GEF will showcase projects from member countries, sharing best practices, lessons, and experiences in designing and implementing GEF projects. This will include field visits and learning stations at the workshop venues,” said Waithaka.
Johannesburg, supported under the GEF-6 Sustainable Cities IAP, will showcase its project titled “Building a Resilient and Resource-Efficient Johannesburg: Increased Access to Urban Services and Improved Quality of Life”. Delegates will visit four project sites across the city during a field visit on Wednesday, 22 January.
This project, funded by GEF and implemented by the City in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme and the DBSA, is part of an integrated city initiative aimed at promoting sustainability.
Councillor Eunice Mgcina, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning in the City of Johannesburg, extended a warm welcome to the delegates and encouraged Development Planning Department officials, led by Executive Director Eric Raboshakga, to ensure the visitors have a comfortable and productive experience.
“We are delighted to host this important GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop here in Johannesburg. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to fostering sustainable solutions and protecting our precious planet.
“I hope delegates engage in meaningful discussions and explore innovative ideas that will strengthen our actions towards a sustainable future for generations to come. Your insights and contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful for your participation in this journey to make a lasting impact on our planet,” said MMC Mgcina.
She also encouraged visitors to explore Johannesburg’s iconic historical attractions, including Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, the Maboneng Precinct, Gold Reef City, Mandela House in Soweto, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and more.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
