Over 120 participants attended the SGP's fifth global workshop in Istanbul, Turkey from 20 – 26 June at the Marmara Hotel. The focus of this workshop was meeting the challenges during the Third Operational Phase, among them demonstrating impact; enhancing opportunities for linkages with all GEF Implementing Agencies; implementing effective knowledge management and strengthening communications at all levels. Participants included all the SGP National Coordinators representing the 84 countries; selected Programme Assistants and NSC members from the different regions; UNDP Resident Representatives from each region; representatives from the World Bank, UNEP, GEF Secretariat, UNOPS and CPMT. Amongst the key note speakers at the opening of the workshop were: Mr. Kemal Dervis, UNDP Administrator designate at the time who welcomed SGP to Turkey, and thanked SGP for inviting him to address the workshop as his first official role as UNDP Administrator and for honouring him by holding the workshop in Istanbul, his home town; Mr. Olav Kjørven, Director UNDP Energy and Environment Group; Mr. Frank Pinto, Executive Coordinator UNDP/GEF; Mr. Jakob Simonsen, UNDP RR, Turkey; Mr. Mustafa Ozturk, Deputy Undersecratary of the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and Ms. Funke Oyewole, of the GEF Secretariat.