Background

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) serve as the primary vehicle through which countries articulate their climate ambition and actions, while aligning them with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Under the Paris Agreement, Parties are required to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs that they intend to achieve, with the third cycle being due last year in 2025. 132 countries have so far submitted their NDC 3.0 including several from the Caribbean, a region that contributes negligibly to the total global greenhouse gas emissions, however highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have demonstrated their commitment to global climate goals through the efforts made to comply with the mandates of the Paris Agreement.

Reflecting on the first Global Stocktake (GST) outcome delivered at COP28, it was communicated that despite overall progress on mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation and support, countries are not yet collectively on track towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Agreement and its long-term goals. The GST also invited organizations in a position to do so, and the secretariat, including through its regional collaboration centres (RCCs), to provide capacity-building support for the preparation and communication of the next NDCs. In support of this, the RCC Caribbean, NDC Partnership (NDCP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) are highlighting the experiences from several Caribbean countries who presented their NDC 3.0 in 2025.

Many SIDS, including those in the Caribbean, face challenges related to technical capacity, institutional coordination, and sustained support, which can affect both the ambition and implementation of their NDCs. In this context, the sharing of country experiences plays a critical role in fostering peer learning and advancing collective progress toward the goals outlined in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.

Objectives

The webinar aims to provide a structured platform for Caribbean countries, including Belize, The Bahamas and Suriname, to exchange practical insights on their NDC 3.0 preparation and implementation processes.

Specifically, the webinar seeks to:

• Provide a clearer understanding of the institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms and technical approaches used in the preparation of NDC 3.0.

• Highlight best practices, challenges encountered and lessons learned during the development process.

• Share countries’ plans and expectations regarding the transition from NDC planning to implementation.

• Encourage peer engagement among countries currently developing or refining their NDC 3.0, fostering collaboration and mutual support within the region.

Expected Outcomes

The webinar is expected to:

• Strengthen regional peer learning on NDC 3.0 preparation and implementation.

• Enhance understanding of effective coordination models and cross-sectoral engagement in SIDS contexts.

• Identify common capacity gaps and potential areas for targeted support.

• Facilitate continued collaboration between Caribbean countries and regional and international partners.

• Support improved readiness for implementation and enhanced ambition in future NDC cycles.

Target Audience:

This webinar is designed for:

• Government officials and technical experts involved in the preparation, revision and implementation of NDCs.

• Representatives of ministries responsible for climate change, environment, finance, planning and sectoral policy areas.

• National focal points and institutions engaged in climate governance and reporting.

• Regional and international organizations providing technical and financial support for NDC implementation.

• Development partners and stakeholders supporting climate action in the Caribbean.