The GEF-7 replenishment will formally conclude during the GEF Assembly, which will convene from 27-28 June 2018, in Da Nang, Viet Nam. The talks for GEF-7 were called for in October 2016, at the 51st meeting of the GEF Council. The GEF serves as a financial mechanism for conventions on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, chemicals, mercury, and ozone depletion; it also funds activities in the areas of sustainable forest management and international waters.