#HimaEcoMedia

Beirut, Lebanon — The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) announced that its Director General, Assad Serhal, has received an official invitation to participate as a panelist at a major international environmental event organized by the Global Environment Facility.

The invitation, issued by GEF Interim CEO and Chairperson Claude Gascon, calls on Serhal to contribute to a high-level panel titled “Leaving No One Behind: Forging Partnerships and Advancing IP&LCs, Women and CSO Leadership.” The session is scheduled to take place on June 5, 2026, during the Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand.

The Assembly, to be held in Uzbekistan from May 30 to June 6, 2026, represents the highest governing body of the GEF. It convenes representatives from 186 member countries, alongside leaders from international organizations, civil society groups, Indigenous communities, and the private sector to address global environmental challenges.

This year’s Assembly will be held under the theme “The Last Sprint towards 2030: Implementing the Nature-Climate-Pollution GEF-9 Agenda.” The event will feature plenary sessions, high-level roundtables, a Civil Society Forum, and various side events aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing innovative environmental solutions.

Serhal’s participation highlights Lebanon’s growing role in global environmental dialogue and underscores SPNL’s longstanding commitment to conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development. His contribution is expected to bring valuable insights into the role of civil society organizations in advancing environmental protection and inclusive leadership.

The invitation reflects international recognition of SPNL’s work and provides an opportunity for Lebanon to contribute to shaping global strategies addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The GEF expressed its hope that Serhal will join the Assembly and share his expertise, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving environmental goals by 2030.