Time zone: CET, UTC+1
Event Recording: The event recording is available here

Background

Article 4, paragraph 9, of the Convention provides for the special support to the least developed countries (LDCs), with respect to funding and transfer of technology, given their specific needs and special situations. Over the years, a number of mechanisms have been set up to specifically support the LDCs including the LDC work programme, the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans (NAPs), as well as specific request to the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism, Parties and organizations to enhance support to the LDCs. The LEG is mandated to provide overall technical guidance and support to the LDCs on the aforementioned issues as well as on other specific areas.

The Conference of the Parties (COP), at its twenty-sixth session, is set to review the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) with a view to adopting a decision thereon. In preparation for the review, as mandated by the COP, the following activities have been undertaken: submissions from Parties; a stocktaking meeting on the work of the LEG; a report on the stocktaking meeting; and a synthesis report based on the submissions from Parties, reports of the LEG, and the report on the LEG stocktaking meeting.

Objective

The event provided an opportunity for Parties and non-Party stakeholders to discuss emerging needs for support for the LDCs under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, with a view to inform the review of progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the LEG. The discussions drew upon the outcomes of the stocktaking meeting of the LEG held in February 2020 and related inputs, and also considered the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to sustain progress on adaptation.

Agenda