Summary

The UNFCCC secretariat, through its RCC Caribbean, hosted a pivotal webinar focusing on the implementation of Non-Market Approaches (NMAs) under Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement. Through the Office of the Prime Minister, the event brought together climate experts to explore cooperative strategies for advancing sustainable development, resilience and climate action under Article 6.8.

Understanding Non-Market Approaches

Article 6.8 emphasizes holistic cooperation between nations to support climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainable development. Unlike market-driven mechanisms, NMAs prioritize finance, capacity-building and technology transfer to assist participating Parties in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Key criteria include voluntary multi-party participation, avoidance of mitigation outcome transfers and alignment with host countries’ NDCs.

Webinar Highlights

The session outlined the framework and work programme for NMAs, including Phase 1 (2023–2024) activities such as developing the NMA Platform, where Parties can record their NMAs, and the Phase 2 (2025–2026) focus on broadening stakeholder engagement and enhancing national capacities. Examples of NMAs highlighted during the webinar included the Adaptation Benefits Mechanism (ABM), which funds resilience projects in Africa, and the LoCAL initiative by United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), which channels climate finance to local governments. The session also provided a walkthrough of the NMA Platform.

Next Steps

Building on the webinar’s momentum, the Office of the Prime Minister announced plans to organize a follow-up clinic in collaboration with UN Climate Change. This hands-on workshop aims to identify specific projects and programmes eligible under Article 6.8.