World Bank Group Timeline
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) launches
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), jointly administered by the World Bank Group, United Nations Development Programme, and United Nations Environment Programme, begins as a three-year pilot project that provides grants for activities to protect the global environment. Investments initially take place in four areas of global interest: international waters; biodiversity; climate change; and, under the terms outlined in the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer. The Bank Group initially undertakes the chairmanship of GEF, but in 1994 participating governments will agree to restructure GEF and replenish its core fund, making it a permanent institution separate from the Bank Group.
Resource Gallery
Interview with E. Patrick Coady
Interview date: April 19, 1994
GEF and the environment sector are discussed on pages 31-37.
Interview with Mohamed T. el-Ashry
Interview date: May 29-30, 2003
GEF's origin and programs are discussed on pages 10-32.
GEF implementation work program
April 2, 1991
The implementation work program provides an overview of the various tasks involved in the operationalization of GEF and the fulfillment of the World Bank Group's responsibilities (1084661).
First Annual Report, "The World Bank and the Environment", FY 1990
Originally published: October 2006
The exhibit chronicles the World Bank Group's environmental activities in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1990.
Global Environment Facility (GEF) criteria and guidelines
May 14, 1991
Two tables compare GEF criteria for project selection with U.S. advocated criteria. A list of early GEF project investments in the form of a "Criteria Matrix" is also included (30322015).
GEF: Chairman's Semi-Annual Report on the Pilot Phase to the July 1994 Council Meeting
Document date: July 1, 1994
The report covers the Global Environment Facility's main developments on pages 1-3 and its operational performance on pages 5-16.
Briefing note for President Conable prior to his meeting with U.S. President George H. W. Bush.
April 25, 1990
Senior Vice President of Finance Ernest Stern's briefing note for President Conable stresses the importance of the meeting for the viability of GEF: "Without some endorsement from the W. House, Treasury will be very negative…" (1328857).
Development Issues: Presentations to the Development Committee
Document date: Sept. 30, 1990
The report contains statements and reports given at the May 8, 1990, meeting including comment on "Funding for the Global Environment" on page 59.
The First Decade of the GEF: Second Overall Performance Study
Document date: Jan. 25, 2002
The study measures the achievements of the Global Environment Facility in accordance with its main objectives adopted during its 1994 restructuring.
