1. Background   

The modalities, procedures and guidelines (MPGs) for the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, were adopted by decision 18/CMA.1. The same decision mandates SBSTA to develop further methodological guidance on the MPGs, for adoption at CMA.3. This work has been undertaken since SBSTA 50, through the following agenda sub-items under the SBSTA item on methodological issues under the Paris Agreement: 

• Common reporting tables for the electronic reporting of the information in the national inventory reports of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases; 
• Common tabular formats for the electronic reporting of the information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving nationally determined contributions under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement; 
• Common tabular formats for the electronic reporting of the information on financial, technology development and transfer and capacity-building support provided and mobilized as well as support needed and received under Articles 9–11 of the Paris Agreement;
• Outlines of the biennial transparency report, national inventory document, and technical expert review report pursuant to the modalities, procedures, and guidelines for the transparency framework for action and support; 
• Training programme for technical experts participating in the technical expert review. 

At COP25 in Madrid, despite the good progress that was made at the technical level, Parties were not able to adopt formal conclusions under the SBSTA item on methodological issues under the Paris Agreement, including on the intersessional work before the next SB session. To maximize the progress of work on this SBSTA item, and minimize disruption and delay stemming from the COVID-19 pandemics, informal dialogues on the relevant agenda sub-items above will be conducted during the Climate Dialogues, followed by informal consultations by the SBSTA Chair.

2.    Objective and description

The informal consultations by the SBSTA Chair aim to provide a space for Parties to jointly reflect on the state of play on the SBSTA item on methodological issues under the Paris Agreement, to highlight the key take away messages from the informal dialogues on transparency conducted during the Climate Dialogues, and to exchange views on opportunities to advance the technical work in the lead-up to the first in-person session of the SBs this year. 

This will allow the SBSTA Chair to provide relevant guidance, with a view to maintaining the delivery of the SBSTA mandate on track and complete its work on time with a view to enabling Parties to adopt further methodological guidance on transparency under the Paris Agreement, by CMA.3 in Glasgow.

3.    Proposed programme