As part of its technical support to Parties, the UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre for Middle East, North Africa and South Asia based in Dubai (RCC Dubai), jointly with the Transparency division of UNFCCC secretariat, recently organized a three-day virtual workshop for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to build their capacities to apply the information for clarity, transparency and understanding (ICTU)¹ guidance in the preparation of their new, revised or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Virtual workshop for the MENA Region to enhance understanding on the process and provisions for NDCs was organized in collaboration with the NDC Partnership, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In addition to discussing the process and provisions regarding the updated/new NDCs, including hands-on exercises to apply the ICTU guidelines, the workshop also provided a platform to countries in the region for exchanging experiences, lessons learned, challenges and needs regarding their ongoing efforts in this area. In an effort to help address some of these challenges and connect countries with concrete support being facilitated on the ground by developmental partners, the final session of the workshop consisted of a Dialogue on Support.

Country representatives appreciated the information they received and looked forward to continuing communication with collaborating partners and enabling further exchanges and learning via the engagement opportunities provided through RCC Dubai.

At the close of the workshop, participants highlighted that this engagement has provided a useful platform to facilitate peer exchange and promote interactive discussion.

The workshop was attended by over 60 representatives from the MENA countries and collaborating organizations. Twelve countries from the region were represented at the workshop.

Footnote
1. At COP 24 in Katowice, Parties agreed on further guidance in relation to the mitigation section of decision 1/CP.21, by decision 4/CMA.1, including elaborated guidance on the information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding (ICTU) and also on further guidance for adaptation communication, by decision 9/CMA.1. This guidance, among other things, facilitates Parties with the provision of information on their NDCs and adaptation communication.