From March 2–5, 2026, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development hosted the Eastern Africa Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) in Addis Ababa, bringing together representatives from 14 countries to strengthen collaboration on regional environmental priorities.

As Madagascar’s civil society representative, JADD Madagascar highlighted the vital role of local initiatives and social inclusion in promoting sustainable natural resource management and community-led adaptation through GEF partnerships—particularly the GEF Small Grants Programme and the Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Programme. These efforts mark an important step toward integrating youth, women, and persons with disabilities into community initiatives, strengthening their resilience and empowerment at the local level.

The GEF ECW also provided a valuable platform for exchange, learning, and networking among GEF focal points, civil society representatives, the GEF Secretariat, and partner agencies, with discussions focusing on GEF-funded programs, policies, and projects.