On 27 June 2024, RCC LatAm will host a regional webinar to advance development of the NDCs 3.0. The Regional Collaboration Centre for Latin America supports governments in the region as they look to develop an ambitious third round of Nationally Determined Contributions in early 2025.   Objectives The webinar aims to facilitate space to exchange knowledge and experiences among Latin American countries regarding the challenges faced in the preparation and updating of NDCs. Through these sessions, we seek to identify common challenges, share best practices, and foster collaboration among the countries of the region. This webinar aims to: Understand the current NDC implementation process. Identify successful practices and key challenges in the NDC implementation. Provide suggestions for enhancing ambition and feasibility in the next cycle of NDCs 3.0 Background It is a critical time as the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due in 2025, requires new and more ambitious NDCs from countries. The Global Stocktake (GST) outcome agreed upon at COP28 underlined that despite overall progress on mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation and support, Parties are not yet collectively on track towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals, and encouraged Parties to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their next round of NDCs. NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC secretariat, and this is the third round, due by early 2025. The second round of NDCs in its totality has shown that current efforts and plans are insufficient to put the world on track to achieve the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. The latest science from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 60% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels, and that adaptation and mitigation must be pursued with equal force and urgency to advance sustainable development for all. The GST invited the secretariat including their Regional Collaboration Centers (RCCs) and organizations in a position to do so, to provide capacity-building support for the preparation and communication of the next NDCs. The first generation, NDC 1.0, and the second generation, NDC 2.0, have yielded valuable insights through their implementation, which provides orientation for the development of the upcoming cycle, NDC 3.0. This platform will be instrumental in understanding the processes undertaken by each Party and how to progress towards achieving the goals outlined in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, including in this new round of NDC 3.0 submissions. Drawing from the challenges and best practices observed in the construction and implementation of past NDCs, Parties can then apply them in this new round of NDCs 3.0 submissions 9 to 12 months before COP 30.

On 18 June, RCC Latin America delivered a training for Panama focused on finance, measuring qualitative actions and transitioning to quantitative actions, with emphasis on development of indicators and progress reporting for NDCs.   The training program engaged government officials, policymakers, and professionals working in the fields of climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy. The training objectives were tailored to Panama: Provide participants with insights into the significance of Panama's NDC update in the context of the Latin American region and its alignment with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST). Facilitate participants' understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary to identify specific opportunities to access financing for NDC implementation and develop better strategies accordingly. Enable participants to develop effective financing strategies tailored to Panama's specific NDC goals and priorities. Familiarize participants with best practices for translating qualitative goals outlined in the NDC into quantifiable targets through the development of indicators. Train participants on the implementation of best practices for monitoring, reporting, and verifying the progress of Panama's current NDC, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.   Background   On May 31st, the government of Panama presented the update of its NDC 2.0 as part of its third cycle of NDC updates for the year 2025. This event marks a significant milestone in the Latin American region as it is the first country to present its efforts in line with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST). This training program on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is tailored to address the current needs identified by the Panamanian government on enhancing access to financing and formulating financing strategies for its NDC. Furthermore, the program delves into best practices for translating qualitative goals outlined in the NDC into quantifiable targets through the development and implementation of indicators. This segment aims to explore effective approaches to transforming qualitative NDC goals into measurable outcomes. Discussions will cover the selection of appropriate indicators that accurately reflect progress toward NDC objectives and the design of effective monitoring systems to gather relevant data. Additionally, case studies and practical examples of indicators used in various contexts will be examined to illustrate successful approaches in translating qualitative objectives into quantifiable targets, facilitating the dissemination of best practices in reporting on the progress of the country's current NDC.  

The 2023 RCC Annual Report is out: check out the RCCs' achievements per region!

RCC Caribbean and RCC Latin America build capacity for effective implementation in Cuba with Article 6 workshop    From 14 to 17 May, RCC Caribbean teamed up with RCC Latin America to deliver a three-day workshop that connected seven Cuban officials with Article 6 practitioners from the governments of Panamá and the Dominican Republic. The workshop raised awareness about Article 6 and its different mechanisms among relevant Cuban ministries and facilitated knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration between Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Panamá.    Background  Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides a framework for international cooperation to enhance ambition and action on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Article 6 encourages greater private sector involvement and investment in low-carbon projects, helping to scale up climate finance and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.  Capacity-building support and regional collaboration enable all governments to participate in Article 6 activities.     Objectives  This Article 6 workshop seeks to increase understanding and enable collaboration, specifically it aims to:  Introduce Article 6 instruments to governmental ministries in Cuba outside the environmental sectors  Deepen understanding of Article 6 mechanisms, with focus on potential uses in national and regional contexts  Equip participants with knowledge to develop an implementation plan for Cuba to engage with Article 6 mechanisms  Develop the necessary skills and knowledge to train other officials in Cuba and amplify impact  Facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing of experiences among Cuba, Panama, and the Dominican Republic 

RCC Latin America supports Guatemala readiness for NDCs 3.0 and Article 6 participation   From 13 to 20 May, RCC Latin America organized a series of workshops to support Guatemala´s national readiness for the NDC 3.0 update and the use of cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The workshop had three sessions: 13 May at 08:00 – 9:30 a.m.  (Central America Time) / 09:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Panama Time)  16 May at 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.  (Central America Time) / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Panama Time)  20 May at 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.  (Central America Time) / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Panama Time)  Background The three-day capacity building program for the government of Guatemala focuses on preparing the country for the 2025 update of their NDC and using cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Active participation by the Vice-Minister of Environment and our Global Coordinator underscores the collaborative nature of this initiative, which was organized jointly with UNEP through the GCF readiness project, LAC-6.  The workshops provide insight into the importance of the third update for the Nationally Determined Contributions, the NDCs 3.0 process. They also cover the results and key messages from the first Global Stocktake (GST), concepts and main carbon pricing instruments as mitigation policies to achieve the NDCs, and cooperative approaches under Article 6 to achieve the NDCs and greater climate ambition. The workshops move forward with several objectives: Present the importance of the NDCs 3.0 process and submission of NDCs 3.0 in 2025 Provide results and understand the key messages from the first GST Understand the relevance and functionality of different carbon pricing instruments to leverage climate action Cover various types of voluntary cooperation established under Article 6, based on market and non-market mechanisms  

Over two days in May 2024, RCC Latin America delivered a training program to build capacity for ambitious NDCs 3.0 in 2025.   The two-day training program this program is designed to empower participants to navigate the complexities of updating the NDCs with confidence and contribute significantly to the global climate agenda. Tailored specifically for governments, the program covered various aspects of NDC development, including identifying targets, mitigation strategies, adaptation measures, financial frameworks, and implementation activities. This training was delivered to the government of Colombia with Ecuador and Chile sharing their country experiences.  Delivered in partnership with the NDC Partnership, UNEP, the Center for Clean Air Policy, and Argentina1.5, the training explored: Key outcomes from the first Global Stocktake at COP28 in Dubai and moving forward towards the NDCs 3.0 Additional guidance for the design of this third round of NDCs Country experiences from Ecuador and Chile to inform ambitious and achievable NDC targets Adaptation measures and resilience-building strategies to address climate impacts Financing options and mechanisms for implementation of NDCs Guidance for information on the Progress Update of NDCs      

RCC Latin America mobilizes regional partners for the NDCs 3.0 In April 2024, RCC Latin America brought together partners in the region to connect countries with support for the NDCs 3.0. This meeting was convened as part of a global series of partner meetings to develop ambitious NDCs by early 2025. Connecting governments with support for NDC development can increase the confidence needed to make bold commitments and accelerate implementation.    Background The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to prepare, communicate and maintain successive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that it intends to achieve. The NDCs are the main vehicle for countries to express their climate ambition and actions, and to align them with their national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. This is especially relevant now with Decisions 6/CMA.3 and 1/CMA.5 requiring new and more ambitious NDCs from countries to be developed and submitted in 2025, with targets until 2035. In addition to being more ambitious, the NDCs 3.0 must be country-owned, country-driven, implementable, and well-positioned to unlock financing. The first Global Stocktake (GST) outcome underlined that despite overall progress on mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation and support, Parties are not yet collectively on track towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals. As such, 43 percent emission reduction is needed by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, 60 percent emission reduction is needed by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050. The outcome therefore encouraged Parties to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories. The GST decision also emphasized the need for collective efforts by inviting the UN Climate Change Secretariat, including through the RCCs, and other organizations in a position to do so, to provide capacity-building support for the preparation and communication of the next NDCs.  Diverse development and implementation partners are providing NDC preparation and implementation support to countries in the Caribbean, including support for data and analysis, policy and planning, finance and investment, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. This regional partner meeting is a follow-up to the global support workshop on NDCs convened by the UNFCCC secretariat in early March 2024 in Bonn, Germany. At that meeting, partners put together a framework to inform the NDC 3.0 support ecosystem.   Objectives Establishing shared knowledge about the current support provided by development organizations to countries in the LatAm region regarding the preparation and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  Identifying areas where the portfolios and initiatives of development organizations can synergize and complement each other in the realm of NDCs, with the aim of enhancing implementation effectiveness at the national level, including engaging with the United Nations system.  Collaborating on efforts, initiatives, and activities aimed at strengthening support for NDCs in the LatAm region, leveraging the collective expertise of development partners in the region and considering regional priorities and context.   Way Forward RCC Latin America will map out the different support avenues available to the countries in the region and provide insight on where collaborations can be developed. This information will be shared with the network of partners and made available to countries in the region. This exercise will hopefully ensure that Latin American countries can access support that is fit for their purposes. The plan is to convene regular meetings to continue the discussions and collaborations on the way forward for the region to develop ambitious NDCs 3.0.

RCC Latin America is partnering with the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency - Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP) to deliver an Introductory Article 6 Training for the CBIT-GSP Regional Network. The web-based training offers an introduction to Article 6 cooperative approaches and is designed to increase understanding of the relevance and functionality of Article 6 by covering key concepts and decisions.   The training features introductory remarks by the CBIT-GSP Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and an overview of RCC LatAm followed by sessions on voluntary cooperation under Article 6 and an introduction to Article 6.2 and Article 6.4.   The CBIT-GSP is a five-year global climate transparency project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNEP through the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC). The project is aimed at supporting developing countries in the transition to the Enhanced Transparency Framework and its Biennial Transparency Reports under the Paris Agreement. The CBIT-GSP project includes multiple components, including training such as this.   Watch the event again

RCC hosted a series of webinars in preparation for NDC 3.0

Supporting countries to participate in cooperative approaches

The Government of Panama requested support ahead of developing its NDC 3.0.

The 2023 edition of the Climate Week saw the region actively preparing to implement Article 6.

Learn about the dynamic cyclical process to developing and implementing NDCs

UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centres will host a webinar series on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

The Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) is now open for receiving Expressions of Interest to host an event at the climate week. National, regional and local governments, the private sector, investors, youth organizations, science organizations, universities and schools, cooperatives, Indigenous Peoples organizations, filmmakers, media and other stakeholders are welcome to submit their event proposals. Hosted by the government of Panama in Panama City, the Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2023 takes place from 23 to 27 October 2023. The Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week seeks to facilitate and accelerate the region’s response to the climate crisis. The climate week offers opportunities for presenting new ideas, taking part in lessons learned, and finding opportunities for working together. We welcome diverse applications from stakeholders working in the region and ask that all submissions align with one or several of the four thematic tracks that the climate week will focus on: Energy systems and industry Cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure, and transport Land, ocean, food, and water Societies, health, livelihoods, and economies The 2023 Regional Climate Weeks provide a timely opportunity for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to share climate solutions, overcome barriers, realize opportunities and ultimately take concrete action that will allow us to course-correct and achieve the Paris Agreement goals and objectives. LACCW 2023 is hosted by:  

The UN Climate Change and its Regional Collaboration Centres will host Regional Dialogues on Carbon Pricing, Article 6 Training, and DNA Forum during each of the Regional Climate Weeks 2023.

On 26 May 2023, UN Climate Change hosted a webinar about the Notification to Parties on the NDC and LT-LEDS Synthesis Reports. The webinar shared details about the planned NDC and LT-LEDS Synthesis Reports for 2023 and opened an opportunity for countries to share their perspectives.   Webinar for Latin America and the Caribbean on NDC/LT-LEDS Update and Synthesis Report 2023 26 May 2023 |11:00 AM EST (UTC -5) |10:00 PM AST (UTC -4) | 17:00 AM CEST (UTC+2) Virtual Webinar Click here for the Concept Note in English and here for the Concept Note in Spanish   Video in English   Video in Spanish         The Webinar shared details about the NDC and LT-LEDS Synthesis Reports for 2023 being prepared by the secretariat and solicited country perspectives regarding their plans to submit updates to NDCs or LT-LEDS in advance of COP28. The webinar also covered important dates and approaches for the updated NDC Synthesis Report and LT- LEDS Synthesis Report for 2023. Development partners joined to share opportunities and resources to facilitate these efforts.  The Webinar was organized by RCC Caribbean and RCC Latin America. Additional support comes from collaborating UN Climate Change staff and our development partners. 

With a specific focus on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) – COP27 event

 LACCW 2022 marks a key step on the road to COP27 This year's Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week, LACCW 2022, wrapped up on 22 July  in Santo Domingo. Explore the LACCW 2022 Output Report and Event Programme to learn more about how these discussions represent a step on the road to COP27. Watch the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony to discover key takeaways and inspiring examples of action, hear from the host government and be inspired by youth from the region. Videos available in Spanish: Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony.

On 27 and 28 January 2022, the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean marked its 40th anniversary with a special session in Costa Rica. The special session of the Forum aimed to strengthen regional cooperation in the face of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.  

The recipients of a special 10th anniversary edition of the United Nations Global Climate Action Awards (GCA) were announced last month,which generated momentum for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) Glasgow and from the RCC Panama we are proud to highlight the impact of the initiatives in Latin America.

On 25 May 2022, an informative webinar was held to share details on the NDC Synthesis Report and LT-LEDS Synthesis Report

Early September Latin American national experts responsible of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) (national communications, biennial update reports and, national greenhouse inventories, etc) participated in the 3 day long Regional virtual training workshop on institutional arrangements for the existing MRV arrangements and the enhanced transparency framework, including data management for national GHG inventories, organized by the Consultative Group of Expert (CGE), with support of the UNFCCC secretariat and RCC Panama.

En apoyo a los preparativos nacionales para la COP26, la oficina de Latinoamérica y el Caribe del PNUMA en colaboración con el Centro de Colaboración Regional para CMNUCC para Latinoamérica (RCC Panamá)organizaron“ Evento Informativo de Capacitación para los Negociadores Latinoamericanos”.El encuentro se llevó a cabo el 14 de octubre del 2021.

Las Estrategias de Cambio Climático a Largo Plazo (LT-LEDs por sus siglas en inglés) fueron el tema de discusión del taller “Apoyo para el Desarrollo de Estrategias de Cambio Climático a Largo Plazo en América Latina” que se llevó a cabo el 8 de julio   y que reunió a más de 100 participantes de 15 países. Fue además un evento único, ya que por primera vez un país desarrollado y varios países en vías de desarrollo compartieron experiencias comunes sobre desarrollo de estrategias a largo plazo.

From June 3 to 17 June, RCC Panama and consultants from SOA Consulting supported the Presidential Office of Climate Change of Honduras (ClimaPlus) to host a series of virtual workshops to advance understanding of climate finance and mobilize financial flows.

Long-term Climate Change Strategies (LT-LEDS) were the subject of discussion at a July 8 virtual workshop on developing low-emission development strategies. The event brought together over 100 participants from 15 countries for a first-of-its-kind workshop where a developed country and developing countries shared common experiences on long-term strategies.

During the Regional Climate Week, RCC Panama, under guidance from the Means of the Implementation Division (MoI), contributed to the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) yearly Regional Forum in LAC for the National Designated Entities (NDEs). This forum was integrated into the Climate Week program, inviting experts from the UNFCCC, governments, international organizations and banks discussing nodes of the implementation of the Article 10 of the Paris Agreement and the Technology Framework.