Overview of Process and Provisions for Nationally Determined Contributions and Enhanced Transparency Framework

On 16 September 2020, a webinar on an overview of process and provisions for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) was held by LEDS LAC (Low Emission Development Strategies Latin America and Caribbean), co-organized with UNFCCC RCC St. George’s. LEDS LAC is a network of organizations and individuals working in the promotion, design and implementation of LEDS (Low Emission Development Strategies) in Latin America and the Caribbean. LEDS LAC is a meeting space for representatives of a regional network of governments, cooperation agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector, who are facilitating the advancement of LEDS in the region, looking to:

• Open opportunities for coordination, collaboration and synergies among networks;
• Develop and strengthen capacities promoting learning, exchange of information and best practices;
• Systematize and disseminate information, tools and resources for LEDS design and implementation.

In 2020, governments need to communicate new/updated NDCs which will become the basis for global climate action under the Paris Agreement. These are closely related to other aspects of the Paris Agreement, namely the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and the Global Stocktake (GST). One purpose of the ETF is to provide a clear understanding of climate action, including clarity and tracking of collective progress towards NDCs. Information submitted by the Parties under the ETF will be among various sources of input for consideration during the global stocktake. It is to be noted that the ETF will be implemented based on modalities, procedures and guidelines (MPGs) that apply to all Parties. However, these MPGs specify the flexibility provisions that are available to developing countries that need it in light of their capacities. The ETF includes reporting of the information through Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), technical expert review (TER) and the facilitative multilateral consideration of progress (FMCP). The first BTRs are to be submitted by the end of 2024 and the first GST is planned to be held in 2023. At COP 24 in Katowice, Parties agreed on further guidance on NDCs, including elaborated guidance on the information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding (ICTU). This guidance, voluntary for the 2020 NDCs but mandatory for all Parties as of 2025, provides clarification on the information that Parties need to provide in their NDCs.

This webinar provided an overview of process, provisions and modalities for NDCs and ETF through presentations from RCC St. George’s as well as the transparency division and was attended by over 101 participants from various organizations such as national governments, international organizations, as well as technical or academic institutions. The webinar was opened by Eduardo Jose Sanches Sierra, Coordinator, on behalf of LEDS LAC Platform Secretariat delivering the welcome remarks. Vintura Silva from RCC St. George’s introduced the RCC’s work relevant to NDCs. Also, Bernd Hackmann from the transparency division explained the process and key provisions for NDCs, encouraging Parties to use the opportunity in 2020 to reflect the highest possible ambition in response to the urgency of addressing climate change. Further, Bernd highlighted the main elements of ICTU to provide all necessary information corresponding to NDCs in order to make these clear, transparent and understandable. Tugba Icmeli, also from the Transparency division explained the key provisions and modalities for the ETF based on the Paris Agreement, provided key remarks for an efficient transition from MRV to ETF, and mentioned that while reporting timelines will remain largely unchanged, the content will be modified slightly, with a greater focus on NDC progress and related underlying information on greenhouse inventory, support and adaptation. She also indicated additional benefits of transparency arrangements, such as informing domestic policies, plans, strategies and programs as well as improved access to support.

During the Q&A session presenters highlighted the needs of preparation for communication, accounting and reporting on NDCs for all countries. Also, regarding the ETF, the importance of consistent and accurate estimation of emissions, including emission factors under the consideration of different capacity levels of all countries was emphasized. In the concluding remarks, panelists highlighted the role of the civil society for NDCs, promoting and triggering ambition of NDCs at the national levels and cooperation between governments and relevant organizations like industry or research institutions.

The recording and the related materials of this webinar can be accessed here>>