In response to the CMA 1 mandate, the AC and the LEG, in 2020 and 2021, compiled relevant methodologies into a draft background paper. In preparing the background paper, the AC and the LEG also compiled detailed lists of focus areas, criteria and sources of information used in applying the referenced methodologies. These are contained in the annexes of an earlier draft of the background paper. At AC 19 and LEG 39, the two bodies decided to continue compiling existing methodologies on the Adaptation Knowledge Portal and to establish a joint working group (JWG), in collaboration with the SCF, tasked with agreeing on a joint way forward on the mandate.

The JWG has so far held three meetings to identify concrete ways in which the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support could be reviewed under the first GST. It has identified a possible framing of adaptation and support under the Convention and the Paris Agreement to identify the processes and entities that would need to be scrutinized as part of the review. It has also delineated the overall context, including other global processes, in which the review will take place and which might influence its shape and outcomes, and the sources of information it could draw from. It is further considering possible review criteria, initially understood as broad review areas or guiding questions, which could be applied to focus the review. 

The JWG is continuing to discuss ways to structure existing methodologies, which might provide useful information for the review, on the Adaptation Knowledge Portal. It is also planning the mobilization of external expertise to assist the JWG in advancing its work.  

The JWG regularly reports back to the AC, the LEG and the SCF on the progress of its work (see "Related information")

Work on this and other joint mandates from COP 21 has been ongoing since 2016. The secretariat, following a request made by the AC and the LEG, prepared a background paper to initiate consideration of the mandates, and members of the AC and the LEG held a joint meeting on 27 May 2016 and developed a workplan for addressing the mandates. A report on the meeting is available  here. The AC and the LEG decided to take a three‐step approach for organizing the work:

• Step 1 (Q2‐Q3 2016): gathering and synthesizing information relevant to the mandates;
• Step 2 (Q3 2016 to Q1 2017): identifying a suite of possible methodologies and modalities (options) and validating them through outreach to Parties and relevant stakeholders;
• Step 3 (Q2‐Q4 2017): selection of options to include in recommendations for CMA 1

Members of the AC and the LEG who attended NAP Expo 2016 held an informal meeting on 15 July 2016 to further discuss work in addressing the mandates, and the AC and the LEG issued a call for submissions from Parties and non-Party stakeholders to gather information relevant to the mandates (the submission deadline was 30 September 2016).

The AC, at its 10th meeting (13-16 September 2016) and the LEG, at its 30th meeting (7-10 September 2016) considered a background note (AC-LEG/2016/2) which provided an overview of activities undertaken thus far by the AC and the LEG in responding to the above mandates. The paper in particular presented the results of a technical desk review of existing modalities and methodologies relevant to the mandates, as well as possible considerations and next steps for taking the mandates forward. To further the work on these mandates, the AC and the LEG agreed to establish a joint working group consisting of four members each from the AC and the LEG to work intersessionally. The working group was supported by two members from the SCF.

Progress of the joint work was presented during a side event at COP 22, on 10 November 2016. During the side event, feedback was invited from Parties and non-party stakeholders on the approach taken, as well as on the initial options for possible methodologies and modalities. See the presentation on the joint work given at the event. The joint work was based on a synthesis of the submissions from Parties and other stakeholders, the desk review of relevant information and previous relevant discussions.

In their respective meetings in March 2017 (AC11 and the LEG31),the two bodies, in collaboration with the SCF, held a joint meeting to further progress their work on the mandates. The meeting considered draft options of modalities and methodologies as contained in a document prepared by the groups prior to the meetings (AC-LEG/2017/1). 

On 12 May 2017, during the Climate Change Conference in Bonn, the AC and the LEG, in collaboration with the SCF, held their second joint special event to inform conference delegates of progress made in the implementation of their joint mandates, and to gather detailed feedback and input from the audience. 

The 3-hour event first presented the status of the joint work and participants were then invited to discuss the draft elements for recommendations in three breakout groups. The AC, the LEG and the SCF took into account the input received during the meeting in the next iteration of their work, which was discussed at their respective meetings in August and September 2017. The two bodies then completed their technical work at the time and forwarded their recommendations to the subsidiary bodies for consideration and forwarding them to CMA1:

• Addendum to the reports of the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group
   
• AC-LEG/2017/3 -  Draft recommendations developed by the AC and the LEG to address decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 41 and, in collaboration with the SCF, to address decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 45

Call for submission - AC-LEG mandates