International Consultation and Analysis

The transparency arrangements under the UNFCCC has evolved over the past two decades. Established by the landmark Cancun Agreements in 2010, with operational guidance adopted in Durban in 2011, the international consultation and analysis (ICA) process represents a significant step forward in increasing the transparency of climate actions of developing countries.

Since its launch in 2015, the ICA process has made significant progress in advancing the transparency of climate action. Developing country Parties have been providing national reports more frequently, and engaging in the international process to have them analysed in a transparent manner. The transparent reporting and analysis facilitated by this process build trust and confidence among Parties and enable them to make informed decisions and garner support for climate action.

The ICA process provides an essential learning opportunity for developing countries in preparing for the transition to the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, as it can help them assess their level of readiness and steer further development of their national capacity. It is crucial for Parties to engage in the ICA process at least once before the full transition to the ETF.

Expand the sections below to see highlights from each chapter.

1. Introduction

As at May 2020, 57 developing country Parties had submitted at least one biennial update report (BUR), representing 59 per cent of developing country Parties that are neither the least developed countries nor small island developing States, and 15 per cent of Parties that are classified under one of these two groupings. A total of 98 BURs have been submitted by these Parties, with an increasing number of Parties submitting subsequent BURs after successfully completing their first cycle of ICA.

2. Enhancing transparency

Since the introduction of BURs and the ICA process, the frequency and clarity of reporting by developing countries have increased substantially compared with the previous reporting arrangements. The increased availability of information facilitated by ICA, including up-to-date information on greenhouse gas inventories and climate actions in developing countries, expands the knowledge base. The clearer information shared through the ICA process also reveals growing efforts among developing countries to use more up-to-date methodological guidance.

3. Mapping progress of climate actions

Together with the national communications, the information shared through the ICA process sheds light on the progress being made by developing country Parties in their response to climate change. Developing countries are accelerating their efforts to slow the growth of greenhouse gas emissions with enhanced political commitment. Parties are increasingly moving away from individual projects towards sectoral interventions with a wider scope.

While the objective of the ICA process set out by the Conference of the Parties focuses on the need to increase the transparency of mitigation actions and their effects, an increasing number of developing countries also provide information on their adaptation efforts in their BURs.

4. Building capacity

The ICA process provides multiple entry points through which Parties are enabled to identify and better define the capacity-building needs specific to their circumstances. These needs provide a solid basis on which to seek targeted support and pursue greater ambition.

5. The way forward

Parties will soon start implementing the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, with submissions of the first biennial transparency reports being due no later than 31 December 2024. During the transition to the new transparency arrangements, ICA will be more important than ever as it informs the process established under the ETF and serves as the foundation for Parties in preparing comprehensive and targeted plans to improve their national capacity.