Other meetings & events

The eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly and associated meetings will build on the momentum of previous gatherings, bringing together ministers, heads of international organizations, business leaders, civil-society advocates, Indigenous Peoples, women and youth from the GEF’s 186 member countries to chart an accelerated path toward global environmental goals. The Assembly, the GEF's highest governing body, meets once every four years. More info.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.  More info about the seventy-ninth session of the World Health Assembly.

The UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) will organize its twenty-first session on 11-15 May 2026. The UNFF is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with universal membership. Since its establishment in 2000, the Forum has set many milestones including the first UN Forest Instrument in 2007, the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN) in 2015 and adoption of the first UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 and its six Global Forest Goals in 2017. More info.

Drought remains one of the most complex and far-reaching climate risks, affecting water, food systems, livelihoods and economic development across regions. Moving from reactive crisis response to proactive, risk-based drought management is more urgent than ever. This webinar will facilitate knowledge exchange and dialogue on how countries can design, upgrade and operationalize effective national drought policies that reduce vulnerability, enhance preparedness and support sustainable development. Join us online Wednesday 6 May at 13:30 (CET) This session, organized under the UNCCD Africa Communities of Learning and Practice (CLPs) on Drought Management, will bring together policymakers, experts, and practitioners to: – Highlight the rationale and key components of a comprehensive national drought policy.– Share international frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for drought policy design.– Present country experiences and lessons learned in developing and implementing drought policies.– Discuss institutional, legal, and financial mechanisms that support policy effectiveness.– Identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening national drought governance. Whether you are working in government, research, development, or climate policy, this webinar offers valuable insights into strengthening drought resilience and governance. Register here.

The twenty-fifth session of the UNPFII will focus on the theme “Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.” The session will provide a space for Indigenous Peoples, Member States, UN entities and other partners to discuss health, rights and priorities affecting Indigenous communities, while advancing dialogue across the Forum’s broader mandate. Learn more.