Context

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement contains a detailed set of reporting and review provisions that aim to make visible how countries perform vis-à-vis their climate targets. As of 2024, the enhanced transparency framework requires all countries to submit Biennial Transparency Reports. This represents a substantial increase in stringency of reporting rules for developing countries.  

Academic literature and practitioner experiences suggest that adherence to UNFCCC transparency arrangements can be a challenging endeavor for developing countries. By illustration, only 12 developing countries managed to submit a 4^th Biennial Update Report under pre-Paris transparency rules. This illustrates the magnitude of the challenge now that developing countries face more stringent requirements from 2024 onwards.  

To make the transition to the Enhanced Transparency Framework, substantial time and resources are being invested in setting up domestic systems. While this is a challenge, it may also present unique opportunities. Beyond adhering to transparency arrangements, it is imperative to explore ways to make sure participation in transparency arrangements delivers domestic benefits and contributes to domestic climate action priorities.  

Objective

This workshop convenes internationally leading research projects on transparency in climate governance as well as practitioners who have first-hand experience in UNFCCC transparency arrangements. The goal is to draw on both academic work as well as examples from practice to explore the transformative potential of transparency for developing countries, especially in this crucial year of the transition to the enhanced transparency framework. 

Agenda