FAQs
What is the GEO Work Programme (GWP)?
The GWP is the primary instrument to encourage collaboration among GEO’s Members, Participating Organizations, Associates, and other partners. It aims to fulfill GEO's mission and vision by providing actionable insights in various fields where Earth observations play a crucial role.
What does ‘transformative’ imply?
The GEO Post-2025 Strategy calls for a transformative GEO Work Programme (GWP) that focuses on co-producing Earth intelligence solutions to address complex global challenges. This new approach aims to evolve GEO from primarily facilitating Earth observation data access to actively developing user-driven, integrated tools that inform strategic decisions and empower society. The strategy emphasizes the need for efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and additionality in GEO's programmes, requiring a growth mindset from the community to integrate new technologies, increase global equity in Earth intelligence access, and enhance youth participation.
Who is eligible to submit a proposal for the GWP?
GEO welcomes participation from anyone interested in applying Earth observations to real-world problems, either by joining an existing GEO activity or by proposing a new activity in the GWP.
What are the advantages of being part of the GWP?
Being part of the GWP gives you access to a vast network of international partners, enabling collaboration with organizations, governments, civil society, the private sector, and experts worldwide on critical global challenges. You gain the ability to contribute to and influence global policy discussions and decisions related to Earth observations, sustainability, and environmental management. Additionally, you are exposed to innovative approaches and best practices from around the world, which can be adapted and implemented in local or regional contexts.
Why are proposals submitted for five/ three-year timeframes even with an “evergreen programme cycle”?
An “evergreen programme cycle” means each activity is able to develop at its own pace without a fixed start and end date for all activities. The timeframes for proposals are allow for the setting of clear milestones and goals, ensuring that progress can be measured and adjusted as needed.
What is the frequency of GWP Calls for Proposals?
Apart from this initial Call for Proposals, the GWP accepts new proposals on a rolling basis.
Regional GEOs used to be a category of the GWP. I do not see a category for them in the new GWP – where can I find more information?
Regional GEOs are more of a structural component of GEO than a set of activities. You will find a detailed description of their roles in the Community and Governance pillar of the GEO Post-2025 Strategy Implementation Plan.
Foundational Tasks used to support the GWP. Where are they now?
Foundational Tasks, depending on their functions, might be transitioned to Enabling Mechanisms or Conveners.
I want to submit a proposal for a GEO Working Group. How do I proceed?
You can apply for a Convener.
