Regional Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) Priorities under the UNFCCC – ICIMOD collaboration

Photo credit: Jitendra Bajracharya/ICIMOD

Background

The Memorandum of Understanding between the UNFCCC secretariat and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) provides a strategic framework for collaboration to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement, particularly focusing on capacity-building on the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.

The ETF, established under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, aims to build a mutual trust among Parties by enhancing the transparency of climate action and support. It represents a step change in climate reporting, requiring robust institutional arrangements, increased technical capabilities, and regular reporting and reviewing particularly on the Green House Gas (GHG) inventories, adaptation, mitigation action, tracing progress in implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), support needed and received, among others.

The stakeholders consultation workshop will serve as the first step in operationalising the collaboration between UNFCCC and ICIMOD under the MoU by gathering representatives of the countries from the region and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and define priority actions for ETF implementation.

Objective

The main objectives of the stakeholders consultation workshop are to:

• present the scope and vision of the UNFCCC – ICIMOD collaboration, including establishing the regional knowledge hub for ETF with ICIMOD as the host centre.
• consult country representatives to identify national and regional priorities and challenges for ETF implementation in the HKH countries.
• develop a roadmap for capacity building activities, and delivery modalities.
• encourage regional peer exchange, promote lessons learned, and explore opportunities for synergies and collaboration.

Target audience

• National focal points for climate change and transparency (UNFCCC National Focal Points, ICIMOD Focal Points, Enhanced Transparency Framework/Biennial Transparency Reporting coordinators, Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) focal points and others) from HKH countries.
• Experts and practitioners from ministries and relevant institutions (national Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification – ETF teams, statistical agencies, etc.) from HKH countries.
• Regional and international organisations active in climate reporting support.
• Relevant donor and development partners.