Background 

Under Article 4.2 of the Paris Agreement, Parties are required to prepare and communicate successive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) that reflect progression and the highest possible ambition. The outcome of the first Global Stocktake in 2023 emphasized the need for deep, rapid, and sustained emissions reductions consistent with 1.5°C pathways, while highlighting the importance of translating ambition into implementation. 

The year 2025 marked the end of the first ambition cycle under the Paris Agreement and the submission of NDCs 3.0. To date, 131 NDCs have been submitted globally, including 16 from the MENA and South Asia region, with several other countries advancing their preparation. In this context, peer-to-peer exchange provides a valuable platform for sharing practical lessons and supporting countries in strengthening both NDC preparation and implementation. 

Objectives 

This session, organized by the Regional Collaboration Centre MENA and South Asia (RCC MENA and SA), provided a mutual learning space for countries to exchange practical experiences and lessons learned from the preparation of their NDC 3.0, and to look ahead toward implementation readiness. Specifically, the webinar supported: 

• Facilitating peer exchange on NDC preparation and implementation in the MENA and South Asia region,  

• Sharing country experiences on NDC preparation processes, including key lessons, best practices and challenges, 

• Presenting country experiences on identified implementation approaches for NDCs 3.0 and discussing best practices and challenges, 

• Developing a clearer understanding of countries’ needs with regards to NDC 3.0 preparation and implementation.  

Target Audience 

The peer learning exchange brings together: 

• Government officials involved in NDC development and implementation, 

• National NDC focal points, national technical committees, and sectoral working groups, 

• Experts and practitioners supporting NDC processes at country level, 

• UN agencies, development partners and implementing organizations actively supporting NDC development and implementation in the region, 

• Representatives from technical institutions, research centers and regional organizations, 

• Representatives from the private sector, civil society or other non-Party stakeholders, involved in NDC preparation and implementation.  

Expected Outcomes 

By the end of the workshop, participants were expected to: 

• Enhanced peer-to-peer learning on practical approaches to NDC 3.0 preparation and implementation in the MENA and South Asia region, 

• Improved understanding of common challenges, solutions, and lessons learned from countries that have submitted NDCs 3.0, 

• Increased clarity on emerging implementation approaches and readiness needs for NDCs 3.0, 

• Identification of priority support needs for countries still preparing or operationalizing their NDCs.