Diego Mesa Puyo Appointed CEO and Chairperson of Global Environment Facility
Diego Mesa Puyo began his four-year term as CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) today. His appointment aligns with the GEF-9 funding cycle.
Colombian-Canadian economist and sustainable development expert Diego Mesa Puyo officially assumed his role as CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) today, commencing a four-year term. He will lead the world's largest public funder for the environment.
Mesa Puyo's tenure aligns with the 2026–2030 GEF-9 funding cycle. This cycle is supported by initial donor pledges exceeding $4.3 billion aimed at protecting and restoring the global environment. The UK government recently announced a new pledge of £330 million.
Prior to this appointment, Mesa Puyo served as Colombia's Minister of Energy and Mines, where he spearheaded an energy transition agenda that attracted over $3 billion in private investment. He also held a position as Deputy Chief of the Climate Policy Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Under his leadership, the GEF will focus on scaling integrated solutions, expanding blended finance, and strengthening whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. The GEF-9 period will also enhance support for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, while increasing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Mesa Puyo succeeds Claude Gascon, who returns to his role as Director of Strategy and Operations after serving as interim CEO and Chairperson.