On February 11, the RCC St. George’s and Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) co-organized an interactive webinar titled “Technical assistance for climate action in Caribbean countries – CTCN and AFCIA.” The CTCN is the operational arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, and is hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The webinar introduced how the CTCN can support implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Climate Change Policies, Plans and Strategies in Caribbean countries.

In welcoming remarks, Vintura Silva, Regional Lead of RCC St. George’s, highlighted the Centre’s plan to work with the CTCN and support climate technology needs in the Caribbean region. He was joined by two experts from the CTCN to explore the topic in a bit more detail, Ramiro Salinas, Liaison Officer, and Diana Ramos, Climate Technology Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The webinar discussion covered general information on how Caribbean countries can receive CTCN technical assistance and ongoing funding opportunities related to the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), as well as other activities related to capacity building in the Caribbean region. During an interactive Q&A led by Judit Rodríguez, Mitigation Specialist at the CTCN in Latin America and the Caribbean, participants discussed support available through the AFCIA programme to promote innovation in adaptation in developing countries.

Highlighting the opportunity to capture this innovation, Clara Landeiro, CTCN Regional Manager for the Asia Pacific, noted that AFCIA ends in 2025 and countries have only two more opportunities to submit applications for technical assistance. The current call for submissions is open through April 2021, with the final call next year in April 2022. Caribbean countries are welcome to learn more and apply on the CTCN website.

The webinar was well-attended by 25 participants representing National Designated Entities and UNFCCC National Focal Points from 16 Caribbean countries. The session was moderated by Ama Kissiwah Boateng, Research Officer at RCC St. George’s.

To close the webinar, Diana Ramos encouraged countries to actively get involved in capacity building, knowledge sharing and networking activities with the CTCN. The CTCN analyses updated NDCs and Technology Need Assessments documents from the region and establishes a dialogue to find collaboration paths to strengthen NDCs. She highlighted the opportunity to meet and share experiences at the upcoming Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week to be hosted by the Dominican Republic on 11-13 May 2021.

The RCC St George’s remains available to support countries interested in receiving further support from the CTCN or applying for AFCIA. 

For more information about the Technology Executive Committee (TEC), contact Andrea Camponogara ACamponogara@unfccc.int

For more information about the CTCN, contact Diana Ramos-Perez D.RAMOSPEREZ@unido.org