RCC Bangkok Thailand Partner: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies Year Established: September 2015 Regional Lead: Jens Radschinski Support Staff: 4

RCC MENA and SA United Arab Emirates Partner: World Green Economy Organization Year Established: October 2019 Regional Lead: Muhammad Taimur Support Staff: 7

RCC Kampala Uganda Partner: East African Development Bank Year Established: May 2013 Regional Lead: Suri Mues Support Staff: 6

RCC Lomé Togo Partner: West African Development Bank Year Established: January 2013 Regional Lead: Nafissatou Cissé Support Staff: 5

RCC Panama[1] Panama Partner: UN Environment Programme Year Established: March 2017 Regional Lead: Carlos Ruiz Garvia Support Staff: 4

RCC St. George’s Grenada Partner: Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation Year Established: July 2013 Regional Lead: Vintura Silva Support Staff: 3

[1] Established in August 2015 as RCC Bogotá

In 2021, the global COVID-19 crisis persisted, with impacts felt in every country. The same could be said about the climate change crisis.

Increasingly intense impacts, including record heatwaves, flooding, drought and extreme storms were also felt around the world. Even during lockdowns and uncertainty, governments knew that climate change requires non-stop ambition and action. To keep climate action moving, the UK COP Presidency took all necessary precautions and hosted the COP26 UN Climate Change conference in November 2021.

In the run-up to COP26, the UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centres increased virtual engagement and collaborated with partners. The RCCs were integral in raising awareness, building capacity and fostering regional collaboration for ambitious national climate action plans. The Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26 recognizes the powerful potential for regional collaboration to strengthen the credible and durable response to climate change. The Glasgow Climate Pact is a set of guidelines for social and economic development after the pandemic. Decisions on adaptation, mitigation, climate finance and a set of common guidelines now allow for full implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Building momentum for COP26, the RCCs showcase the power of regional collaboration as a catalyst for global progress. Partnerships and people working together make this possible. Through collaboration, we can accelerate implementation and enable more climate action worldwide.

From Patricia Espinosa

The year 2021 was another stark reminder of why climate change is the most pressing challenge humanity faces. The year was marked by the immense tragedy of a global health crisis. But even as countries coordinated a global response, climate impacts kept coming. Extreme heat drove temperatures to record highs in many regions of the world. Severe weather brought storms and flooding. All of this on top of the human and economic toll of the global health crisis. In 2021, we acutely felt how climate change amplifies other risks.

This was also a year marked by sustained interest in climate change by governments and stakeholders. The intergovernmental process that slowed at the outset of the pandemic resumed as policy work moved to a combination of remote platforms and in-person meetings. Business and investors were waking up to the risks of inaction. The year culminated with COP26, the UN Climate Change conference in Glasgow in November.

The outcomes of COP26 are significant. Decisions on adaptation, mitigation, climate finance and a common set of guidelines to account for emissions now pave the way for full implementation of the Paris Agreement. The Glasgow Climate Pact adopted at COP26 can speed up and scale up ambition and climate action. The Pact also formally recognizes regional collaboration as a path to strengthen a credible and durable response to climate change.

In 2021, regional collaboration emerged as a driver of global progress. The RCCs, our Regional Collaboration Centres that promote collective action in continents around the world, were focused on contributing to a positive outcome at COP26. The RCCs are explicitly tasked with supporting Clean Development Mechanism projects, which positions them within a network of ambitious public and private sector organizations acting on climate. The RCCs leveraged these networks ahead of COP26, building capacity for bold government commitments in NDCs, increasing awareness and action on regional risks and mobilizing stakeholders in support of strong outcomes.

Now, the focus must be placed on implementation. We need to maintain momentum and urgency on the road to COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt in November 2022. The urgent need to reduce emissions persists. And there will be an emphasis on adaptation this year, and on Africa.

Action now is only possible by engaging a wide group of stakeholders to collaborate on the real-world risks that climate change poses in different regions. Opportunity opens as public and private sector leaders work together on solutions and the voice of youth and women and all civil society is heard in the process. Collaboration at the regional level is truly an enabling force for progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.

I would like to recognize all the organizations and individuals that collaborated with the RCCs in the run up to COP26. And to thank the thousands of participants at the Regional Climate Weeks, which are increasingly important platforms to catalyze regional climate action. They are evidence of governments and stakeholders, academics and activists all working together to make all regions of the world thrive in the transition to net-zero. Together, we can keep the momentum going.

ACE      Action for Climate Empowerment
ACW 2021      Africa Climate Week 2021
AGYLE      Academy for Global Youth Leadership Empowerment
APCW      2021 Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2021
ASEAN      Association of Southeast Asian Nations
BOAD      West African Development Bank
CAF      Development Bank of Latin America
CCMRVH      Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Hub
CDM      Clean Development Mechanism
CER      Certified Emission Reductions
CGE      Consultative Group of Experts
CiACA      Collaborative Instruments for Ambitious Climate Action
COP      Conference of the Parties
CTCN      Climate Technology Centre and Network
EAA      Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
EADB      East African Development Bank
FAO      Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GCC      Gulf Cooperation Council
GCF      Green Climate Fund
GEF      Global Environment Facility
GHG      Greenhouse gas
GIZ      German Agency for International Cooperation
ICAO      International Civil Aviation Organization
IEA      International Energy Agency
IGES      Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
IGO      Intergovernmental organization
ILO      International Labour Organization
IMO      International Maritime Organization
IOM      International Organization for Migration
IPCC      Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
LAC      Latin America and the Caribbean
LACCW 2021      Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2021
LDC      Least Developed Country
LEG      Least Developed Countries Expert Group
LT-LEDS      Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies
MENA      Middle East and North Africa
MOU      Memorandum of Understanding
MRV      Measurement, reporting and verification
NAP      National Adaptation Plan
NBF      Needs-based Finance
NDC      Nationally Determined Contribution
NWP      Nairobi Work Programme
PCCB      Paris Committee on Capacity-building
PoAs      CDM Programmes of Activities
RCC      Regional Collaboration Centre
RCO      Resident Coordinator Office
RCW 2021      Regional Climate Weeks 2021
SCF      Standing Committee on Finance
SDG      Sustainable Development Goal
SIDS      Small Island Developing States
SMEs      Small and mid-size enterprises
TEC      Technology Executive Committee
UN      United Nations
UNCCD      United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNDP      United Nations Development Programme
UNDRR      United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
UNEP      United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCWA      United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
UNHCR      Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNOWAS      United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel
UNIDO      United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNSDCF      United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
WGEO      World Green Economy Organization
WHO      World Health Organization
WINDREF      Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation
Y4C      Youth4Climate

In 2021, the world entered the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccines rolling out in the early part of the year, lockdowns and extreme closures put in place early in the pandemic were reduced. However, remote work, virtual collaboration and strict precautions remained in place as governments balanced reopening their economies with the need for public health and safety. Over the course of the year, the global health crisis surged and retreated, with public and private sector policy evolving in response.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, one thing was clear for UN Climate Change and its six Regional Collaboration Centres around the world. Efforts to address climate change cannot be put on hold. Climate change remains the most significant and alarming crisis facing humanity, and the world cannot afford to wait to address it. The time needed for action to avert the worst impacts is rapidly dwindling while temperatures soar. In light of this need and in consultation with the COP26 Presidency of the United Kingdom, the decision was made to hold COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.
 

COP26 Momentum

On the road to COP26, regional collaboration emerged as a driver of global progress. The Paris Agreement relies on each nation contributing what they can to the global climate change response and ratcheting up ambition over time. At COP26, governments were expected to submit Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. Collaboration by the RCCs built capacity for countries to strengthen national commitments and engaged key regional stakeholders. Collaboration is a central tenet of the Paris Agreement – all countries working together towards common goals.

This RCC 2021 Annual Report shows how the Regional Collaboration Centres acted as an enabling force for collaboration ahead of COP26, encouraging increased ambition in NDCs and engaging stakeholders around adaption, finance and other crucial issues. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, stakeholders wanted to align with the UN Climate Change process and show they are ready for action. Three all-virtual Regional Climate Weeks events attracted more than 12,000 participants looking to collaborate ahead of COP26.

The results of the Regional Climate Weeks 2021 were taken to COP26 through a COP Communique by the organizing partners delivered to the COP Presidency. The COP Communique encourages the COP26 President and all Ministers to explore the Regional Climate Weeks 2021 output reports and leverage regional collaboration to implement national climate action plans and strategies.

The Glasgow Climate Pact adopted at COP26 formally welcomed the COP Communique and recognizes the powerful potential of regional collaboration to strengthen credible and durable response to climate change. Now, this collaboration must point squarely towards implementation. 

COP26 resulted in crucial decisions for adaptation, mitigation, finance and the common guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement. With these decisions, implementation of the Paris Agreement can accelerate.
 

Showcasing Positive Impact

The 2021 Annual Report proves that the RCCs can mobilize key groups, facilitate support and contribute to the goals of the Paris Agreement. The collaboration documented in this report is a way for Parties and non-Party stakeholders to gain a better understanding of ongoing work and entry points to join these efforts. 

In 2021, work in the RCCs focused on COP26 with pandemic arrangements in place. Remote work and virtual collaboration allowed for teams to make progress in key areas. Webinars and online workshops brought stakeholders together. The Regional Virtual Platform established at the start of the COVID-19 crisis grew into a pipeline of engagement as governments prepared for COP26. The Regional Climate Weeks 2021 engaged thousands of stakeholders focused on collaboration and success at COP26.

Foundation for Implementation

With key decisions in the Glasgow Climate Pact, the RCCs are now well prepared to work towards implementation and contribute to the success of the Paris Agreement. Coordination across UN Climate Change and collaboration with other UN agencies fosters progress at national, regional and global levels.

The RCCs built momentum towards COP26 and can carry it forward into implementation in the following ways:

• Elevating climate action – By engaging with diverse regional stakeholders and focusing on their capacity for action, the RCCs can increase confidence needed for bold commitment and action
• Overcoming barriers – The RCCs provide capacity and training needed to increase ambition in national climate change action plans and strategies, while opening access to support and facilitating transparency
• Amplifying efforts – RCCs collaborate with key actors to promote efficient delivery, enhance partnerships and build on lessons learned with a goal of contributing the UNFCCC process and spurring action
• Enabling implementation – By monitoring regional climate action, facilitating reporting and sharing success on UN Climate Change channels, the RCCs can leverage collaboration before COP26 as a force for implementation

The RCCs are ideally situated to enable and accelerate climate action at a global scale. The Centres open access to the UNFCCC process by supplying secretariat expertise to enhance local activities. Lessons learned by RCC staff provide insight into local and regional contexts and support strong regional partner networks.
 

RCC Structure

The RCCs operate as collaboratives, with UN Climate Change partnering with six different host institutions around the world. In 2021, eleven UN Climate Change staff members were deployed on assignment to the RCCs. Additional resources to support the substantive work included 15 host partner or seconded staff resources. Staff resources include UN Volunteers and UN Junior Professional Officers fully funded by governments, UN staff seconded to RCCs at no cost to the secretariat and project staff hired for specific needs. Host partners provide administrative and logistics funding for RCC operations – office space, equipment, meeting rooms and utilities. Sharing resources and expertise allows the RCCs to contribute to global goals and the organizational goals of all partners efficiently and cost-effectively.

Explore more details about the RCC history, operations and role on the Regional Collaboration Centres webpage.

Key achievements from 2021 that show how the RCCs encouraged regional collaboration and built momentum towards COP26 and implementation.

Advancing Multilateralism

Engaging Regional Ambassadors for COP26 

In 2021, virtual meetings between RCCs and Regional Ambassadors from the incoming COP26 Presidency continued to support success at COP26. The meetings provided the opportunity to share information and build collaboration for COP26. The RCCs supported regional teams to liaise with Ministries and coordinate Ambassador participation in virtual events, including the Regional Climate Weeks 2021.

• RCC Panama supported participation by COP26 President Alok Sharma, COP26 Regional Ambassador Clouder, and COP25 and COP26 Champions in at least three LAC events, including the SDG Global Festival of Action. This nurtured key relationships with governments in the region and an interview with Ambassador Clouder engaged regional stakeholders around COP26.
• RCC Panama launched an awareness campaign with message from the COP25  resident and COP26 President to inform Latin American countries about the Climate Ambition Alliance initiative and promote country-level engagement.
• In May, RCC Bangkok and RCC MENA and SA teamed up with COP26 Regional Ambassador for Asia-Pacific and South Asia, Ken O’Flaherty, and COP26 Regional Ambassador Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Janet Rogan, to host a ‘Regional Webinar for Asia, the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa marking the launch of the revamped Climate Neutral Now initiative’, introducing the new look and levels of Climate Neutral Now.
• In August, UN High-Level Champion Nigel Topping visited RCC St. George’s and engaged state and non-state actors to build momentum towards COP26 and advocate for global climate action.

Mitigation

NDCs and LT-LEDS

In 2021, governments were asked to submit NDCs and articulate their national climate action plans. To support stronger NDCs, the RCCs built networks, convened events and supported bold commitments by countries and international institutions. During the COVID-19 crisis, virtual engagement offered an opportunity to convene key stakeholders and advance progress on NDCs.

• In March, RCC Bangkok and RCC MENA and SA engaged to strengthen NDCs with a virtual workshop on ‘Good Practices in NDC Update and Implementation: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa’.
• In April, RCC MENA and SA collaborated with IRENA to organize the virtual Climate-Energy Dialogue in the Middle East and North Africa, a regional forum to discuss NDC implementation through the energy transition and build momentum towards COP26.
• In Spring and Summer, RCC St. George’s collaborated with the NDC Partnership, UNDP, the CCMRVH, AOSIS, Climate Analytics, and the IDB to organize the 2nd Caribbean NDC Support Virtual Exchange Series. Three virtual events allowed participants to engage with experts on topics related to NDC implementation, LT-LEDS and best practices for NDCs and the energy sector, a key issue for the region.
• In July, RCC Panama and the NDC Partnership organized a workshop with UNEP and UNDP to share support avenues for LTLEDS. Over 100 participants from more than 15 countries joined.
• In August, RCC Panama joined EUROCLIMA+, GIZ, the NDC Partnership and Chile to encourage sharing of experiences at the virtual exchange ‘Accelerating Climate Ambition and Green Recovery: Perspectives from Latin America on the NDC Update’.
• In August, RCC Bangkok hosted a workshop on ‘NDC Implementation: Good Practices in the Pacific’ to support development and implementation of strong NDCs.
• In late August and early September, RCC Bangkok supported the Asia LEDS Forum 2021 on ‘Advancing NDC implementation and strengthening Long Term Strategies’ by coleading sessions, joining panels and securing government speakers to present on submitted LT-LEDS policies and strategies.
• In September, RCC Kampala and the NDC Partnership held a two-day workshop on ‘Good Practices in NDC Update and Implementation: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Eastern and Southern Africa’ for countries to share best practices and lessons learned.

CDM Capacity Building

Throughout the pandemic, RCCs engaged with local stakeholders and supported countries to strengthen public participation in the CDM through virtual webinars and workshops, regular calls, and more. Support focused on advancing CDM project cycle technical and procedural matters, responding to CDM inquiries, and handling CDM project requirements. The RCCs focus on least developed countries and underrepresented countries, which are countries with 10 or less registered CDM projects as of 31 December 2010.

• In 2021, the RCCs supported 166 CDM projects or PoAs, aided development of 11 new bottom-up standardized baselines and three new bottom-up standardized baselines and responded to 222 queries received from stakeholders requesting clarifications on CDM requirements.
• Additional support included advancing technical and procedural matters related to the CDM project cycle, responding to CDM-related questions and handling CDM project requirements.

In 2021, RCCs supported substantive divisions to make their work on the CDM more effective and impactful. This included preparing the ground for COP26 decisions on the common set of guidelines for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 

• In September, RCC Kampala collaborated with the EAA and GIZ to organize a three day private sector workshop, ‘Eastern Africa Private Sector Carbon Market Engagement Online Dialogue’ to increase understanding and knowledge of carbon markets for Eastern Africa public and private sector stakeholders.
• RCC Lomé organized two webinars and an in-person workshop on ‘Net Zero on the UN Carbon Offset Platform’ for CDM project developers.
• In May, RCC Panama provided support to CDM project participants and Ecuador’s DNA to elaborate the project design of a new CDM project in Ecuador on ‘Energy efficient equipment in mix use LE PARC project’ to start validation.

DNA Support

In 2021, UN Climate Change organized the 22nd Global DNA Forum as virtual meeting following COP26. The Forum brought together Designated National Authorities of CDM activities to discuss COP26 outcomes on market mechanisms and provide updates on the CDM and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Prior to COP26, virtual events engaged 52 DNAs and key regional stakeholders during the Regional Climate Weeks 2021. Over the three events, this increased regional understanding of carbon markets, climate finance and Article 6.

• LACCW 2021 – RCC St. George’s facilitated the DNA Regional Forum LAC for DNAs to discuss CDM project funding and the enhanced Climate Neutral Now initiative.
• APCW 2021 – RCC Bangkok and RCC MENA and SA organized the DNA Forum Asia-Pacific with focus on the current CDM situation and expectations for COP26.
• ACW 2021 – RCC Kampala and RCC Lomé organized the DNA Forum Africa focused on the CDM now and into the future and sharing experiences and opportunities in Africa. In addition to the DNA Forum events, the RCCs provide support to DNAs to advance current and potential CDM projects.
• RCC St. George’s, the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency organized a two-day training workshop on ‘Standardized Baseline & Grid Emission Factor Calculation’ for DNAs.
• In April, RCC Bangkok and RCC MENA and SA organized the 4th DNA Virtual Workshop on ‘Sustainable Development Assessment of Climate Action’. More than 30 participants from 11 countries attended. This workshop is part of an ongoing series launched in 2020 to carry forward CDM lessons learned.

Stakeholder Interaction

As the pandemic entered a second year, RCCs continued to support project participants and coordinating/ managing entities facing challenges on registered CDM project activities and PoAs due to COVID-19 restrictions. RCCs also continued to support designated operational entities not able to conduct mandatory onsite inspections due to travel restrictions.

• In March, RCC Lomé gave a webinar presentation for the United Cities and Local Governments and the West African Economic and Monetary Union on ‘Climate Finance for Adaptation and Mitigation Projects of African Municipalities: Which Financial Vehicle to Strengthen Local Climate Dynamics’.
• In July, RCC St. George’s organized a webinar on ‘The Road to Climate Neutrality: Experiences, Challenges and Support. The journey of the tourism sector after COVID-19’, to discuss a sustainable path to climate neutrality for tourism.
• In October, RCC Kampala became an official Earthshot Prize 2022 nominator seeking inspiring, inclusive and impactful solutions in the Eastern and Southern Africa region.

Transparency

 With the Enhanced Framework for Transparency emerging as a topic of interest at COP26, monitoring, reporting and verification systems were in focus throughout 2021. 

• In December, RCC Bangkok and host partner IGES worked together to deliver the Asian Transparency Workshop. 
• In September, RCC Bangkok and the Global Support Program worked together to organize the Pacific Islands MRV Network Webinar.
• RCC Bangkok contributed to three training sessions organized by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre under the Southeast Asia MRV Network.
• RCC Bangkok, RCC Panama and RCC MENA and SA supported CGE regional virtual training workshops on the institutional arrangements for existing MRV and ETF to be implemented after COP26.
• RCC MENA and SA supported virtual capacity building training on transitioning to the ETF and the regional dialogue and engagement on climate information and the ETF.
• RCC St. George’s partnered with the CCMRVH, UNEP DTU Partnership and the Alliance for Global Water Adaption to deliver two ETF webinars.
  • In April, the first webinar focused on adaptation reporting under UNFCCC transparency arrangements. 
  • In July, the second webinar focused on ETF reporting tools for support needed and received by developing country Parties.
• RCC Kampala supported UNEP through the Global Support Programme to deliver 13 virtual training sessions covering various topics including GHG inventories, vulnerability and adaptation assessments, IPCC software, mitigation assessments and information management systems.

Adaptation

The RCCs support countries looking to reduce risk in the near and medium term and increase resilience of countries and communities against immediate and predicted climate impact. In 2021, these efforts built resilience at the regional level and enabled global progress at COP26.

• In January, RCC Bangkok initiated a research project with Jawaharlal Nehru University in the UN Climate Change Universities Partnership Programme on ‘Urban flood and drought in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region and climate change: identifying indicators and developing methodologies for science based adaptation approach’.
• In March, RCC MENA and SA conducted the Second Virtual Technical Meeting to close priority knowledge gaps in the MENA region. 
• In May, RCC MENA and SA supported the Third Virtual Technical Workshops to close priority knowledge gaps in the GCC/West Asia and North Africa subregions under the Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative. This project brought together over 13 adaptation-focused organizations in the region to deliberate and collaborate.
• In October, RCC St. George’s organized a workshop that brought together governments and UN4NAPs partners to introduce Caribbean countries to the UN4NAP initiative and explore opportunities to accelerate NAPs by tapping into the wide expertise of the UN and intergovernmental organizations.
• RCC Panama facilitated the submission of three NAPs in Latin America in collaboration with UNEP and helped identify and share potential good practices for the presentation of sectorial NAPs with partners.
• RCC MENA and SA and RCC Bangkok performed a survey on the ‘Inventory of Methodologies for Assessing Adaptation Needs’ promoted through RCC channels such as newsletter, website and the IBC.
• RCC Bangkok supported launch of the Santiago Network survey to map potential technical assistance needs for approaches to address Loss and Damage associated with climate impacts in developing countries.
• RCC Kampala supported the Adaptation Division and the Open NAP initiative by securing two consultants to support the preparation of NAPs in Malawi and Lesotho. 
• RCC Lomé recruited two national experts to support development of NAPs in Sao Tome and Principe and Comoros as part of the Open NAP initiative.
  

Means Of Implementation

Climate Finance

Climate finance is comprised of local, national or transnational financing from public, private and alternative sources that supports mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. Throughout 2021, the RCCs engaged around climate finance and prepared for COP26 discussions.

• In March and April, RCC Kampala collaborated with the Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Market and Climate Finance, Global Green Growth Institute and GIZ Global Carbon Market Project to build capacity to access climate finance in Rwanda. 

Needs-based Finance Project 

The RCCs support Needs-based Finance projects in 15 regions and sub-regions covering 88 countries.

• RCC Bangkok supported finalization of the ‘Technical Assessment of Climate Finance in South-East Asia’. This report can help countries and the private sector in the region translate climate finance needs into action.
• In February, RCC Bangkok and UN ESCAP organized the Technical Workshop for Finance Experts on ‘Needs-based Climate Finance Project in the Central Asia and South Caucasus’.
• In May, RCC MENA and SA organized a Consultation on the Technical Assessment of Climate Finance for the Arab States to inform the Arab Climate Finance Mobilization and Access Strategy, a key milestone in the NBF Project for the Arab States.
• RCC Lomé supported ECOWAS and the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance through the Needs based finance project. Through this support the ECOWAS Climate Finance Access and mobilization strategy were developed along the project pipeline. Both were pre-validated in July 2021. The implementation plan has also been drafted.
• RCC Lomé initiated conversation with the Economic Community of Central African States to introduce member states to the NBF project.
• RCC St. George’s supported NBF projects in three countries.
  • In Cuba, a Technical Assessment and a Climate Finance Strategy were developed to finance the implementation of the country’s NDC and climate action plans.
  • In Dominican Republic, a virtual validation workshop was organized to review and validate the Technical Assessment, identify sectoral challenges and barriers, and explore strategies to mobilize finance.
  • In Belize, two technical reports were developed – one on strategies for multilateral development banks to support mobilization of climate finance and another on potential private sector climate action investments.
• RCC Kampala supported finalization of the East African Community technical assessment of the needs and priorities of the six EAC Partner States and development of a draft climate finance strategy.
• RCC Panama supported a NBF project in Honduras with a technical assessment and virtual workshops to share findings and improve understanding of climate finance access.
  

Capacity Building

Throughout 2021, the RCCs supported intergovernmental work and related to capacity building under the Convention, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.

• RCC Bangkok, RCC MENA and SA and RCC Kampala collaborated with the International Development Research Centre and engaged consultants to map out capacity-building needs and gaps by the private sector with focus on SMEs in ASEAN, MENA and East African region respectively. Findings were presented at APCW 2021, ACW 2021 and MENACW 2022.
• In October, RCC Bangkok, UNIDO and ESCAP co-organized a ‘Consultation Workshop: Building Capacity for Climate Action by SMEs’. Thirty speakers shared an overview of actors, challenges, capacity gaps and needs and opportunities for SMEs to engage more actively in climate action.
• At COP26 in November, RCC Bangkok, RCC MENA and SA and RCC Kampala organized a session at t he 3rd Capacity Building Hub at COP26 on ‘Are SMEs ready for Climate Action: sharing global experiences on capacity-building?’

Technology

To support technology transfer and linkages between technology and finance, the RCCs provide technical support and strategic advice. This advanced the technology framework, mobilized support and showcased possible solutions in advance of COP26.

• In February, RCC Panama co-organized a webinar with the CTCN, UNIDO and UNEP DTU on technical assistance, networking and capacity building tools. More than 40 participants joined to discuss climate finance, mitigation and adaptation.
• RCC St. George’s co-organized an interactive webinar with the CTCN on ‘Technical assistance for climate action in Caribbean countries – Climate Technology Centre and Network and Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA)’ to show how the Innovation Accelerator can support NDCs implementation.
• In September, RCC Kampala supported a Technology team side event at ACW 2021 on ‘Smart moves: Advancing electric mobility in Africa’ to showcase e-mobility solutions in Eastern and Southern Africa with focus on two- and three-wheelers.

Cross-Cutting Areas

Youth and Gender Engagement

Youth and gender organizations are an important part of the UN Climate Change process and RCCs engaged these networks in the run up to COP26. This brought the voice of young people, women and girls to the conversation, raising awareness and opening avenues for support.

• In February, RCC Bangkok co-organized the Regional Dialogue on Youth Empowerment in Climate Action, bringing together more than 1,000 young leaders, government officials and civil society representatives from the Asia-Pacific region. More than 30 speakers discussed how youth perspectives can be elevated and better involved in addressing the climate crisis.
• In February, RCC Bangkok supported the launch of the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), a collaboration by UN Climate Change, UNDP, UNICEF, the Movers Programme, the British Council, YOUNGO, the 2030 Youth Force and others. The Platform supports meaningful government youth engagement to shape the NDCs and move from awareness to action. 
• In May, the Caribbean AGYLE launched with an aim to add value to existing regional youth engagement frameworks while empowering youth action and advocacy at all levels. The first Caribbean AGYLE webinar engaged youth climate leaders in the Caribbean in dialogue on youth and the Paris Agreement.
• In June, RCC Panama, RCC St. Georges and ParlAmericas connected youth and policymakers at a virtual public meeting on ‘Addressing Inequalities to Enable Climate Ambition: A Just Transition to Achieve the Paris Agreement’.
• In June, RCC Kampala, EAA and GIZ conducted an online training on carbon markets for Kenyan youth. The workshop aimed to increase awareness of Article 6 and the role of youth.
• In August, RCC Lomé and RCC Kampala collaborated with African youth organizations and partners to organize a webinar on ‘Youth engagement in the UNFCCC process and more ambitious climate action’ with an aim to accelerate youth climate action.
• In August, all six RCCs supported the ACE team and AGYLE to organize regional networking sessions for 400 youth delegates selected to participate in the Pre-COP26 Youth Driving Ambition Summit (Y4C) in Milan on 28-30 September. Six networking sessions in different regions helped youth delegates learn about the UN Climate Change process, discuss regional climate change priorities and interact with fellow delegates. These events were coordinated by RCC Bangkok.
• RCC Kampala joined the ACE Team, other UN Agencies and youth-related stakeholders in a UNICEF HQ Reference Group to develop virtual training for young climate action advocates. 
• RCC Lomé collaborated with UNICEF to organize a Y4C youth event.
• At COP26, RCC Kampala and RCC Lomé organized a side event on ‘Strengthening Youth Capacity for Transformation: Launch of the AGYLE call for interest’ at the 3rd Capacity-building Hub.
• In December, RCC Bangkok, UNDP and Sweden convened a brownbag session to finalize forward-looking YECAP activities as a donor-funded project and listen to youth share experiences from their climate action journeys and COP26.

Nairobi Framework Partnership

 In 2021, Nairobi Framework Partnership coordination and regional activities focused on the Regional Climate Weeks 2021 as an engagement opportunity. At these meetings, the Partnership collaborated to strengthen NDCs by engaging DNAs to build capacity, advancing project work of the CDM, enabling climate finance opportunities, fostering coordination and sharing knowledge.  The Climate Weeks brought together key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions at the regional level, opening opportunity to advance the work of the Partnership.

UN System Engagement

In 2021, the RCCs engaged with the UN development system network through Issue-Based Coalitions, called IBCs Operated by regional economic and social commissions, these coalitions cover specific countries IBCs for different sectors in each region. Depending on the scope of the IBC, more than one IBC may be relevant to climate change efforts.

• RCC Panama team collaborated with UNEP and UNDRR under an IBC on Integrated Management of Forest Fires and Natural Disasters and Gaps Assessment Post-COVID-19 in the areas of adaptation in agriculture and forestry.
• Throughout 2021, RCC Bangkok contributed to IBCs and UN Country Teams.
  • Participated in the Coal Phase Out Working Group of the IBC Mitigation and Air Pollution, supported a side event at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2021 and participated in UNRC roundtables in Pakistan and Vietnam.
  • Contributed to the IBC on Building Resilience Climate Risk Marker Study for UN agencies to assess country-level projects.
  • Developed Climate Science Literacy materials such as videos and posters, launched at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2022.
  • Worked with the UN Thailand Country Team to enhance stakeholder understanding of carbon market mechanisms.
• RCC MENA and SA supported collaborative joint initiatives through the IBC on Food Security, Climate Action and Environment Pillar I – Climate Action and Natural Resource Management by engaging key partners for strategic initiatives. The RCC engaged with UNESCWA to collaborate under a framework MoU and explored a joint project on methodologies and metrics for assessing adaptation.

The RCCs also partner with different UN agencies and intergovernmental organizations depending on regional needs and opportunities.

• RCC Lomé created a UN Regional Working Group on Climate Change, Environment, Security and Development in West Africa (UNCCESD) with UNOWAS, IOM and UNEP. The UN-CCESD convenes key stakeholders to link regional policy with local and national actions.
• RCC Lomé partnered with the UN Togo Joint Team on Climate Change, created collaboratively by the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP, UNEP, the FAO and UNICEF. This group mapped all climate change projects in the country, giving UN agencies a clear picture of gaps and needs.
• RCC Kampala initiated collaboration with IOM Regional Office for East and Horn of Africa to support a Climate Change, Environment, Migration and Green Economy Study in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region.
• RCC Kampala supported the IOM Regional Migration Forum to explore the climate change and migration nexus with ambassadors and diplomatic staff.
• RCC St. George’s collaborated with the IOM to integrate climate action and pandemic response in disaster displacement and environmental migration in the Eastern Caribbean.
• RCC St. George’s teamed up with UNCCD, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Regional Liaison Office for Latin America and the Caribbean to organize an interactive webinar on ‘Enhancing a Coordinated Approach on Financing for Climate Action on Land.’
• RCC St. George’s, the WHO Pan-American Health Organization and WINDREF hosted a webinar on ‘Calculation of the health co-benefits of climate interventions’ to share preliminary analysis of regional data availability for the Carbon Reduction Benefits on Health (CaRBonH) tool.

Regional Climate Weeks 2021

In 2021, regional collaboration emerged as a driver of global progress. This is due in large part to the three Regional Climate Weeks 2021 events held throughout the year in advance of COP26. Following regional roundtables to set priorities, these virtual events brought together more than 12,000 stakeholders to have their voice heard at of CO26 on three themes:

• National actions and economy-wide approaches
• Integrated approaches for climate resilient development
• Seizing transformation opportunities

The year of engagement culminated in a Global High-Level Event at COP26 in Glasgow, which recognized the contribution of all Regional Climate Weeks 2021 stakeholders by bringing together the COP President, host government ministers, and heads of global organizing partners – UN Climate Change, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank. At the event, the organizing partners presented a Regional Climate Weeks 2021 COP26 Communique and outputs package to the UK COP26 Presidency as a resource for implementation. This Communique was recognized in the Glasgow Climate Pact, which encourages this collaboration platform where ‘Parties and non-Party stakeholders can strengthen their credible and durable response to climate change at the regional level’.

The RCCs supported the Regional Climate Weeks 2021 by activating networks in advance of the event, supporting event organization and tasks related to delivery of each event. RCCs supported all thematic tracks discussions, affiliated events and side events in coordination with global and regional partners.

RCW 2021 Regional Roundtables – Held in March, high-level participants from RCW 2021 host countries, the high-level champions, COP25 and COP26 Presidencies and RCW co-organizing partners convened more than 1,500 stakeholders to outline regional priorities and needs in relation to national action and economywide approaches, integrated approaches to climate resilient development and seizing transformational opportunities. These themes were discussed in-depth at virtual thematic sessions held during each of the Regional Climate Weeks 2021.

Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2021 (LACCW 2021) – Held in May and hosted by the Government of Dominican Republic

• RCC Panama engaged panelists, prepared the digital platform, monitored the tracks and moderated the DNA Forum. Organized side events included “Carbon pricing instruments and financial strategies for implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions” to share regional benefits from Honduras, Panama and partnering organizations.

Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2021 (APCW 2021) – Held in July, hosted by the Government of Japan

• RCC Bangkok supported the organization of the Virtual roundtable in March by securing speakers for the three thematic tracks and summarizing the key highlights.
• RCC Bangkok collaborated on a side event with ESCAP, IDRC and UNIDO to present the initial findings from a UNFCCC/IDRC mapping study of capacity building gaps and needs in relation to climate action of SMEs in South-East Asia. It also aimed to increase understanding of the support provided to SMEs by different stakeholders in the region and identify areas for future collaboration to take meaningful steps on climate engagement with SMEs.

Africa Climate Week 2021 (ACW 2021) – Held in September, hosted by the Government of Uganda

• RCC Kampala collaborated with the International Development Research Centre engaged two consultants to map out capacity-building required by the private sector, particularly SMEs in the ESA region as regards climate action. Study findings were presented during ACW 2021 at a side event; ‘Building SMEs’ Capacity on Climate Action - Experiences from Eastern and Southern Africa’, where leading experts came together to share experiences on building SMEs’ capacity on climate action.

COP26 Global High-Level Event – Held at COP26 in November 2021 in Glasgow, hosted by the UK COP26 Presidency

• RCCs supported a COP26 hybrid event that brought together almost 300 attendees to discuss the value of regional collaboration and present the COP26 Communique, RCW 2021 Global Overview and RCW 2021 output reports to the COP26 Presidency to guide implementation following COP26.

MENA Climate Week 2022 (MENACW 2022) – Held in March 2022, hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates

• RCC MENA and SA collaborated with the host Government of the United Arab Emirates to plan this inaugural MENA Climate Week, including participation in the March roundtable and support for a launch event at the World Green Economy Summit hosted by EXPO 2020 in October.

CiACA

The Collaborative Instruments for Ambitious Climate Action initiative assists in development of carbon pricing instruments for implementing NDCs under the Paris Agreement and fosters cooperative climate action among stakeholders. Throughout 2021, the RCCs supported many diverse CiACA projects and events.

• In February, RCC Bangkok organized the ‘Regional Dialogue on Carbon Pricing (REdiCAP)’ for five Central Asia countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The dialogue was co-organized by RCC Bangkok, UN Climate Change teams, ESCAP, UNDP, UNEP and the Asian Development Bank.
• RCC Bangkok hired a consultant to conduct a Mapping Study on Preparing for Carbon Pricing in ASEAN among policymakers and analysts in South-east Asian Member States.
• In April, RCC Lomé organized two capacity building workshops in Guinea and Bissau Guinea on instruments such as carbon pricing for implementation of their NDCs.
• RCC St. George’s provided direct technical support to three countries through the CiACA initiative.
  • In Jamaica, a technical report on international carbon markets for financing mitigation action was finalized in March.
  • In Dominican Republic, the roadmap study for design of an Emission Trading System was completed with a stakeholder validation workshop.
  • In Trinidad and Tobago, a preliminary report provided an overview of policies, fiscal measures and domestic context that influence mitigation activity and carbon pricing.
• From May, RCC Kampala provided support to the Kenyan Treasury in developing a Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework through a consultant hired under the CiACA initiative.
• RCC Kampala hired a consultant to conduct an online course on ‘Preparing for Carbon Taxes in Africa’ for policymakers and analysts and in Eastern and Western Africa Alliance states.
• RCC Kampala in partnership with EAA, GIZ, Perspective Climate Group and Carbon Africa, held online training on ‘Corresponding Adjustments’ to strengthen EAA understanding on this key issue for national Article 6 readiness and institutional capacity development.
• RCC Kampala collaborated with EAA and GIZ to organize an in-person Pre-COP26 Article 6 workshop for the Uganda Climate Change Department (MoWE).
• RCC Lomé supported Senegal to develop a carbon tax study.
• RCC Lomé provided support to Nigeria to engage stakeholders in exploring carbon pricing and study pricing initiatives.
• In October, RCC Kampala partnered with GIZ and EAA to hold a three-day Eastern Africa Article 6 Negotiators Workshop focused on peer-to-peer exchange for regional negotiators.
• In October, RCC Bangkok organized a coordination workshop with regional development partners to understand plans and activities, find synergies and avoid duplication of work.
• In December, RCC Bangkok organized two sector-specific webinars on ‘Carbon Pricing and Regulated Power Sectors in ASEAN’ to inform policymakers and regulators on design of carbon pricing instruments.
• In December, RCC Bangkok finalized a research report and the ‘Pakistan roadmap for strategic carbon pricing communications’.
• RCC Panama, supports implementation of the Panama carbon footprint program ‘Reduce tu Huella Panama’. Launched in 2021, this voluntary programme is the first step to a national carbon market that will help Panama achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Currently, 50 companies have committed to measure their carbon footprint and 34 have committed to become carbon neutral.

Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub

This year marked the midway point for the five-year Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub project aimed at supporting and improving climate change transparency processes in 12 Caribbean countries. The CCMRVH continues to advance ahead of schedule, on budget and successfully meeting goals. The year 2021 was busy with many capacity building activities held in advance of COP26.

• In March, the CCMRVH hosted its 3rd Annual Meeting with two major objectives. First, to provide member countries and partners with the status of MRV Hub outputs and an overview of achievements. Second, to listen to feedback from member countries.
• One major 2021 initiative was the GHG Mitigation Modelling Webinar Series. Organized with the Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and GHG modelling tool developers, the series advanced knowledge, developed capacity, and informed Hub member countries on GHG mitigation modelling.
• In August, the CCMRVH hosted its second annual Summer Academy. Through the training, participants were able to learn and apply GHG inventory data collection, compilation and documentation procedures.
• The Hub continued capacity building activities throughout the region using established work crews in Forestry and Other Land Use, Data Management Systems and On-Road Mobile Source. These sector-specific sessions develop skillsets and unlock the capability of countries to cooperate on technical challenges.
• The CCMRVH also collaborated with various organizations on regional capacity building. For example, the Hub and RCC St. George’s hosted the sixth Caribbean NDC Support Virtual Exchange Platform on ‘Costing and Financing of NDCs and Tracking of Climate Finance’.
   

Look at the numbers and it’s clear that regional collaboration by the RCCs built momentum among governments and key stakeholders in advance of the COP26 UN Climate Change conference in Glasgow in November. 

Engaging stakeholders strengthens regional collaboration and fosters a global network of climate action.

Collaboration at the regional level was instrumental in achieving global progress at COP26. In this crucial year, stakeholders eager to have their voice heard in the climate conversation engaged with the RCCs on climate action.

Engagement is a core function of the RCCs. When it became clear that COP26 would go ahead with pandemic protocols, the RCCs built on their foundation of stakeholders in solution-focused dialogue. Virtual engagement on key topics related to the UNFCCC process proved valuable, building crucial confidence in governments and building momentum by mobilizing stakeholders needed to achieve bold climate commitments.

With COP26 in focus and against the backdrop of remote work and online collaboration, RCC engagement continued in line with three overarching goals.

Goal 1 – Maximize commitment to climate actionThe RCCs support global ambition by encouraging Parties and non-Party stakeholders to commit to medium- and long-term goals that ensure the world is on track to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Goal 2 – Facilitate climate action to achieve commitmentsThe RCCs facilitate mitigation and adaption through support for planning and assessment, regional cooperation and mobilization of means of implementation. 

Goal 3 – Regional climate action coordination RCCs mobilize and coordinate climate action in key regions by leveraging the RCC infrastructure and strategic partnerships, with strong engagement to share value and encourage more action.

These goals proved to be useful for engaging stakeholders around COP26. Key decisions were expected, including clarity on a common set of guidelines for accounting under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Supporting strong commitments under Goal 1 advanced LT-LEDS, NDCs and NAPs ahead of COP26. Facilitating climate action as part of Goal 2 encouraged new national adaptation or mitigation policies, programmes or projects and enhanced transparency. In a coordinating and convening role, work towards Goal 3 encouraged collaboration and confidence needed for success at COP26.

Partnerships

Partnerships are central to the work of the RCCs. Agreed climate change goals cannot be achieved without action by all, and partnerships encourage credible and durable response by diverse actors. In advance of COP26, partnerships sent a signal that these actors stand ready to support bold commitments by governments. Different partners with different perspectives all working together emerged as a powerful catalyst at the climate talks in Glasgow.

Each RCC maintains a robust and diverse regional partnership network. All RCC operations advance in collaboration with host partners. Regional partners play an integral role in the RCC work, especially in the run up to COP26. Interactions advanced joint project implementation, funding of resources, funding of events strengthening partnerships, and communications and outreach building momentum throughout the year. One example of a notable inter-agency partnerships is the extensive engagement by RCC MENA and SA with the RCO and UAE UN Country Team to provide inputs to and review the first-ever Common Country Analysis. This ensures climate action challenges and opportunities are accurately reflected in the analysis.

An MOU, or Memorandum of Understanding, signals the formally launch of a partnership. The MoU sets goals and expectations for the partnership and can outline operational details, roles and responsibilities of partners. RCCs support the MOU process between the UNFCCC secretariat and partner entities in key regions. In 2021, several partnerships and MOUs were established.

• RCC St. George’s facilitated signing of an MoU between UN Climate Change and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) for cooperation in key areas, knowledge and data exchange and outreach to improve resilience.
• RCC Bangkok finalized a MoU to build on ongoing collaboration with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization through a new framework for collaboration to promote voluntary climate action among non-Party stakeholders.
  

Events

In 2021, RCCs organized and supported 75 events, including three all-virtual Regional Climate Weeks 2021. Most events were held virtually, but a limited number of events were held in-person with all applicable Covid-19 protocols in place. COP26 was also held as an in-person event with virtual participation elements. In 2021, RCCs focused on virtual engagement, promoting and reporting 75 virtual events on the Regional Virtual Platform that keeps stakeholders informed about workshops, forums, training sessions and webinars.

With significant interest in COP26, virtual events were well-attended and engaged representatives from CDM stakeholders, the private sector, UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs and universities. The RCCs directly organize some events and act as co-organizers, contributors, presenters and facilitators for others. The RCCs co-organize around 10% of events reported, showcasing their role as convener in strategic partnerships.

Missions and Interactions 

Throughout the year, 12 missions or official visits were conducted. When on mission, RCC staff travel to different countries to engage on policy and climate action challenges and opportunities. In 2021, all missions contributed to COP26 momentum, supporting RCC Goal 1 – Support CDM stakeholders and Goal 2 – Facilitate regional collaboration. The ongoing pandemic paused most in-person missions. Any mission that took place followed all applicable pandemic protocols, including RCC missions to COP26. Most country-specific outreach was integrated into RCC remote work.

Throughout 2021, stakeholder interactions continued on virtual platforms. Interactions occur when RCC staff engages in meaningful interaction with partners or stakeholders. An interaction can be as simple as joining a working group to provide regional expertise or advising on COP26 outcomes. Interactions can also be more involved, like joining a webinar panel and speaking for the secretariat in the region.

As governments and stakeholders prepared for COP26, most interactions were aimed at partnership building and co-organizing events. Other interactions discussed resources, document inputs, joint projects, and communication and outreach. Some interactions discussed RCC event funding.

Communications

Communications and outreach play an integral role in engagement by the RCCs. The Centres connect with internal and external audiences to raise awareness, share success stories and build partner relations. In 2021, an RCC Communication Strategy was established to bring coherence and cohesion to communication and outreach. Under this strategy, the RCCs will speak with one voice and engage key constituents across the following channels:

• Newsroom articles – The UN Climate Change Newsroom features globally relevant milestones and success stories, increasing visibility of the RCC work on a platform with over 120,000 unique pageviews per month
• RCC webpages – Each RCC maintains a webpage access through the Regional Collaboration Centres page to share news and regional stories. RCC activities are also reflected on RCW 2021 pages.
• RCC newsletters – Each RCC regularly shares information in e-newsletters sent via email to stakeholders and published on the RCC webpages
• SIA articles – Internal stakeholders are kept informed with weekly SIA articles highlighting RCC efforts to build momentum for COP26
• Social media – UN Climate Change social media accounts promoted efforts by the RCCs, RCW 2021 events and partner communications to over 2.3 million followers across four platforms 

In 2021, the RCCs published 44 articles and 42 newsletters. To make information more accessible in their regionals, RCC Lomé publishes newsletters in French and English, with RCC Panama publishing in Spanish and the secretariat working language, English.

RCCs engaged around the globe by publishing articles and newsletters:

In 2021, the UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centers and Regional Climate Weeks emerged as drivers of global progress, mobilizing key stakeholders and building momentum toward COP26. 

Regional collaboration, governments engaging with key stakeholders to advance action, is increasingly recognized as an integral component to achieving each nation’s climate change commitments. Understanding regional needs and priorities, solution-oriented dialogue, and close relationships among partners and stakeholders can accelerate implementation. Key decisions on adaptation, mitigation, climate finance and a common set of guidelines under Article 6 allow for full implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Implementation will ramp up in 2022. RCC efforts will focus on carrying the COP26 decisions forward, engaging stakeholders and encouraging more action and ambition. Regional Climate Weeks 2022 will focus on COP27 and prepare the ground for Parties to agree on coordinated action addressing climate change.

Stakeholders must be involved in implementation and included in coordinated action that advances national climate action plans and progress towards Paris Agreement goals. The Centres aim to:

• Maximize the magnitude and extent of climate commitments, by acting as an enabling force for raising ambition and taking action
• Accelerate implementation to achieve Paris Agreement commitments, facilitating activities to implement Glasgow Climate Pact decisions 
• Mobilize and coordinate regional climate action around the UN Climate Change process, working with regional partners and engaging key stakeholders such as private sector leaders, youth, cities, communities, indigenous peoples and experts

With key COP26 decisions agreed in Glasgow, the RCCs are positioned to connect the outcomes of the international policy making process with on-the-ground action needed to turn decisions into action. The road to COP27 must be marked by progress in areas of mitigation, adaptation and finance. Adoption of a common set of guidelines enables new mitigation activities to start, including transition of CDM projects to Article 6. The RCCs are poised to carry forward momentum built throughout 2021 and strong outcomes from the UN Climate Change conference to COP27.

In 2022, implementation of Article 6 will be in focus for the RCCs. Regional experts are being deployed and will leverage the RCC structure to support Paris Agreement implementation. The RCCs will look to strengthen their presence in key regions and use the convening power of UN Climate Change to connect key stakeholders. The Centres will seek to enable stakeholder climate action by enhancing regional activities from a variety of government and stakeholders. As part of an ongoing commitment to inclusive multilateralism, the RCCs will ensure all sectors of society have a voice in the UNFCCC process to boost climate ambition, encourage action and foster unity of purpose. 

The work of the RCCs and the Regional Climate Weeks will carry forward momentum towards success at COP27 in Egypt in November. The year 2021 showed that the world is ready to work together, to protect our planet and act with urgency to make this a decisive decade of climate action.

Thank You

UN Climate Change would like to recognize all partners who engaged with the Regional Collaboration Centres throughout 2021. With your engagement and support, we built momentum towards COP26 and laid a foundation for implementation to accelerate. 

This report was produced by the UN Climate Change Regional Support and Stakeholder Interaction team in collaboration with RCC staff. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this report.

RCC Highlights and Related Reports

Explore this link to see more information about the UN Climate Change RCCs. 

The following official UNFCCC reports detail activities related to regional support and stakeholder interaction. 

Annual Report of the CDM Executive Board to the CMP
Annual Technical Progress Report of the Paris Committee on Capacity-building
Co-operative activities with UN entities
Regular Reports to the CDM Executive Board, January-June 2021
Regular Reports to the CDM Executive Board, June-December 2021
Nairobi Framework Partnerships Annual Report

For a more complete look at UN Climate Change, please see the UN Climate Change Annual Report 2021