UN Climate Change: Support for Developing Countries in Reporting their Climate Action Enhanced

One of the key achievements at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow last November was the finalization of rules relating to transparency of reporting climate action under the Paris Agreement.

The resulting Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) is crucial for global efforts to achieve the Paris goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. For example, it provides an accountability mechanism that promotes implementation of countries’ national climate action plans (Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) and the flow of support for climate action. It is an important tool to assess the progress countries are making in implementing their NDCs.

The ETF represents one common system for all nations, namely the modalities, procedures and guidelines (MPGs), which will help improve the quality of information and ensure comparability of data among countries, which in turn will help build trust.

COP 26 adopted further technical guidance on the MPGs for the ETF, with tables, outlines and other formats for the reports agreed. Given the widespread recognition that developing countries will need assistance in applying the provisions, the COP also committed enhanced support for implementing the ETF, including guidance on the role of the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE).

The CGE has so far played a leading role in supporting implementation of the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements under the Convention and facilitating the transition to the ETF under the Paris Agreement.

At the seventh meeting of the CGE, held virtually on 28 February and 1 March 2022, the group successfully developed its work programme for 2022 – 2026 based on its revised terms of reference:

Until 2024, in line with its revised strategic priorities, the CGE will continue supporting developing countries in implementing the existing MRV arrangements under the Convention and facilitating transition to and implementation of the ETF under the Paris Agreement; in particular, preparation and submission of biennial transparency reports and national communications through the provision of technical support.

From 2024, the CGE will gather lessons learned and good practices in relation to submitted biennial transparency reports, understand areas of improvement, refine the approaches and tools used to provide technical advice and support, and continue facilitating implementation of the enhanced transparency framework.

Over the whole period of 2022 – 2026, the CGE will promote collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders and enhance outreach activities.
The group also identified its key activities for 2022, such as conducting hands-on regional training workshops on tracking progress of NDCs under the ETF between June and September. In addition, the CGE will conduct regional webinars on promoting the benefits of climate transparency arrangements at the national level.