UN4NAPs is a UN-wide rapid technical backstopping initiative for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), launched in August 2021 by the UNFCCC secretariat, in response to mandates for engaging international organizations in support of climate change adaptation.
It offers a platform for countries, initially for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to communicate their needs for technical assistance in relation to NAP formulation or implementation on an ongoing basis.
The partnership enables a network of more than 50 UN and intergovernmental organizations to respond to technical requests identified by any country that is in the process of formulating or implementing its NAP.
How does UN4NAPs work?
- To access technical assistance through UN4NAPs, a country may submit a request to the UNFCCC secretariat, in coordination with its National Focal Point (NFP), via email to un4naps@unfccc.int.
- After receiving a request, the UNFCCC secretariat matches the country’s needs with the most suitable expertise and channels the request to relevant UN4NAPs partners.
- Partner organizations respond to the request and deliver support promptly. Participating organizations can share resources and offer additional guidance and technical support, often engaging in more in-depth conversations with country representatives facilitated by the UNFCCC secretariat.
The categories of technical assistance that can be catalyzed upon request by a country are:
- Simple technical queries which can be answered by relevant partner organization via email;
- Delivery of specific data/knowledge products (such as datasets, analytical tools, guidance material);
- Longer–term technical capacity development/engagement with the requesting country;
- Review of draft NAPs.
