Diego Mesa Puyo appointed CEO of Global Environment Facility

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council announced the selection of Diego Mesa Puyo as the fund’s next Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson. Mesa Puyo, a Colombian former Minister of Energy and Mines (2018‑2022) and former Deputy Chief of the Climate Policy Division at the International Monetary Fund, will begin a four‑year term in October 2026, coinciding with the GEF‑9 replenishment period.

The GEF, the world’s largest public funder for environmental projects and the financial mechanism for six multilateral conventions, has secured an initial $3.9 billion pledge for its ninth replenishment. Mesa Puyo’s appointment is intended to guide the organization in mobilising resources for biodiversity protection, climate mitigation and pollution control, building on his experience in energy transition and sustainable development.

His leadership is expected to strengthen partnerships with member countries and accelerate investment in clean‑energy and climate solutions, aligning with global 2030 environmental goals.