Diego Mesa Puyo Takes Over as Head of Global Environment Facility
The new head begins a four-year term focused on achieving 2030 environmental targets. The GEF-9 funding cycle has secured over $4.3 billion in initial commitments.
Colombian-Canadian economist Diego Mesa Puyo began his term as CEO and Chair of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on October 1, 2026. His four-year tenure leads the world's largest public funder of environmental protection through the GEF-9 funding cycle (2026–2030), backed by over $4.3 billion in initial donor commitments.
Mesa Puyo's appointment, formerly Colombia's Minister of Mines and Energy, aligns with global efforts to meet 2030 environmental goals. The GEF-9 cycle has garnered initial pledges exceeding $4 billion, including a recent £330 million commitment from the UK government.
Speaking on his appointment, Mesa Puyo emphasized that investing in nature is key to resilience and sustainable development, stressing the need to integrate development and environmental actions to meet 2030 targets. He highlighted GEF's unique position in convening governments, investors, and communities to drive lasting global environmental benefits.
Prior to GEF, Mesa Puyo served as Deputy Division Chief for Climate Policy at the International Monetary Fund. As Colombia's Minister of Mines and Energy, he oversaw an ambitious energy transition program that mobilized over $3 billion in private investment. At GEF, his term will focus on scaling integrated solutions, expanding blended finance, and enhancing whole-of-government approaches to achieve 2030 environmental objectives.