Washington D.C., 2 June 2025 – The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has announced USD29.7m for three new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) led projects during its 69th Council meeting. The projects aim to deliver practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges, including tackling pollution and enhancing climate transparency.
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Climate Transparency Global Support Programme III: Co-implemented by UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this project will strengthen global knowledge sharing and enhance the capacity of developing countries to implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement effectively. To achieve this, the project will work at global, regional, and national levels by offering access to climate information and tools and encouraging countries to learn from each other. Insights from these engagements will feed into a global platform promoting continuous learning.
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Elimination of Mercury-Added Skin Lightening Products (SLPs) in Africa: As the widespread and hazardous use of mercury in skin lightening products in Africa grows, this project will support countries to fulfil their obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The project aims to restrict the manufacture, trade, and use of mercury in skin lightening products and support the development of institutional and legal frameworks to help curb formal and informal distribution of mercury. The project will also conduct behavioral studies to uncover user motivations and promote safer alternatives to help reduce demand.
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Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-ferrous metals production (GEMINI) in South Africa: In alignment with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, this project, co-implemented by the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) and UNDP, aims to promote mercury-free production and supply of non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals – which include aluminum, copper, and lithium – are essential for building electric vehicles, solar panels, and other clean technologies, but require safer processing methods to protect people and the environment from mercury pollution. The project will advance safer processing methods, foster cross-sector collaboration, and help reduce pollution by advocating for clear legislation, innovative technologies, and sharing best practices for a mercury-free metal industry in South Africa.
Collectively, the projects are predicted to benefit eight million people across the world and yield multiple environmental benefits, including reducing pollution and waste from chemicals of global concern, as well as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
“The clock is running down on our global climate and environment goals. We need faster, transparent and targeted action,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Everyone on the planet is exposed to mercury at some level – whether through the food we eat, the air we breathe, or the cosmetics we use. The GEF’s support for projects like these - which work towards meeting critical global agreements like the Minamata Convention and the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework – is critical to support countries deliver commitments and secure a cleaner, greener future.”
GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez emphasized the GEF’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.
“By investing in the Climate Transparency Global Support Programme III, the Elimination of Mercury-Added Skin Lightening Products in Africa, and the Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-ferrous Metals Production in South Africa, the Global Environment Facility redoubles its commitment to a sustainable and resilient future. These transformative initiatives will drive forward the objectives of the Paris Agreement and Minamata Convention and foster a healthier, safer world for all.”
Notes to Editors
About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About the Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $148 billion for country-driven priority projects.
For more information on UNEP and our work with the Global Environment Facility, reach out to us at unep-gef@un.org.
