GEF to launch online information platform ‘Kaleo’

To create a round the clock platform where people can access expert-vetted answers to common questions about its policies and procedures, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has developed an online knowledge sharing system tagged ‘Kaleo’.

Kaleo, inspired by the Hawaiian word Kaleo that means “one voice,” is meant to ultimately encompass the knowledge of the entire community and should be the first place to turn to whenever one needs information about the GEF and its operations. The organisation will soon launch the platform.

Through GEF Kaleo, users can access expert-vetted answers to common questions about the GEF’s policies and procedures. GEF Kaleo is accessible 24/7 on the GEF website.

To access GEF Kaleo, a user must first register their email address in the system in order to ask questions and receive answer alerts. After registering, the user can sign in to ask a question at any time. When a question is asked, GEF Kaleo will immediately offer several curated answers that are already stored within the GEF Kaleo Knowledgebase. If no suitable answer is immediately available, the user can submit his/her question, and it will be automatically routed to a designated GEF expert who can best answer it. The client will then receive a response to his/her question via email. The question that was asked and answered will then be stored in the GEF Kaleo Knowledgebase, and be immediately available to the next user who asks the same (or a similar) question. Thus, by asking questions through GEF Kaleo, users across the GEF Partnership and the general public are also helping to build and expand the GEF Knowledgebase.

GEF Kaleo, inspired by the Hawaiian word Kaleo that means “one voice,” is meant to ultimately encompass the knowledge of the entire community and should be the first place to turn to whenever one needs information about the GEF and its operations. It is the most efficient way to get the most accurate information as quickly as possible.

To take advantage of this new tool, look for the GEF Kaleo search bar widget, which is found at the top right of most pages. You can also refer to the Kaleo homepage for more information.

GEF Kaleo is being introduced as part of the GEF’s efforts to enhance its role as a knowledge broker within the context of global sustainable development and environmental protection. In addition to GEF Kaleo, the GEF recently released a new toolkit titled “The Art of Knowledge Exchange,” which is both a guide featuring successful examples of knowledge exchange embedded in GEF projects, and a step-by-step blueprint for the design, development, and implementation of future knowledge exchange efforts. The GEF is introducing this guide to its stakeholders through regionally organized Art of Knowledge Exchange Training Workshops.

Another facet of the GEF’s efforts to further enhance knowledge management across the Partnership can be found in GEF Knowledge Days, which are peer-to-peer interactive learning events targeting GEF stakeholders, using the Learning Stations methodology developed by the GEF. These events are held during the GEF’s regional Expanded Constituency Workshops (ECWs) organized across the world annually. To date, 18 Knowledge Days have taken place globally, with more than 1600 participants from more than 140 countries, building on the highly successful pilot event that was held in Trinidad & Tobago in March 2016. These one-day knowledge sharing and learning events provide a space for to participants to interact directly with GEF project staff and beneficiaries, learn about key project components and discuss lessons and good practice approaches in the field.