Capacity-building and technical support

Many developing countries continue to face challenges with regard to the formulation and implementation of NAPs. These include, among others, challenges around institutional arrangements and coordination, the assessment of climate scenarios and their translation to local contexts and accessing financial and other support.

Capacity-building and technical support to address these and other challenges thus continues to be vital for many developing countries. Many bodies, organizations and programmes both under the Convention as well as outside the UNFCCC process provide this type of support, either directly targeted at the formulation and implementation of NAPs or at supporting adaptation in general. The following sections intend to provide an overview of the most prevalent ones.

Concrete examples of the technical support provided by these entities for the formulation and implementation of NAPs are also shared in the annual progress reports on the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans as submitted by the UNFCCC secretariat to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation as well as in the reports of the meetings of the LEG.

As mentioned throughout this publication it is important to recognize that the provision of capacity-building and technical support is often not a stand-alone activity but part of the provision of adaptation finance or of the assistance in developing and transferring adaptation technologies. Hence, while the bodies and organizations described in this chapter have a particular focus on capacity-building and technical support, entities described in other sections may also provide this kind of assistance.

Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)

The GCA works as a solutions broker to accelerate and scale action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local levels and in partnership with the public and private sectors. It was founded in 2018 and is steered by a Board of 20 members representing high-level leaders from developed and developing countries as well as multilateral development banks and other institutions. It collaborates with a range of partners around the world, from local to national governments, universities and research institutes, companies and social enterprises, civil society organizations and youth groups that help to create knowledge where it is needed and to design and implement programmes in countries.

The GCA works around three pillars of activity: (i) programmes and action, including programme design, finance mobilization, advice and procurement of delivery partners; (ii) knowledge acceleration, through effective knowledge generation and management as well as the driving of innovation and (iii) agenda setting and advocacy by using its convening power and producing landmark reports.

In its six programmes it focuses on (i) youth leadership, (ii) water and urban, (iii) infrastructure and nature-based solutions, (iv) locally-led action, (v) climate finance and (vi) food security. In addition, it has set up the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program in 2021 in partnership with the African Development Bank which aims at addressing the impacts of Covid-19, climate change and the economy. The program consists of the following initiatives:

Climate Smart Digital Technologies for Agriculture and Food Security;
Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator;
Empowering Youth through Jobs and Entrepreneurship;
Innovative Financial Initiatives for Africa.

Participation in GCA programmes and activities requires partaking in a competitive selection. Selected parties are directly invited by the GCA to respond to a tender. Other interested parties are invited to respond to Requests for Proposals which are regularly published on the GCA’s website.

Further information

Global Center on Adaptation.

Requests for proposals are published here>>.

For more information on the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) contact the Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Anthony Nyong at Anthony.Nyong@gca.org.

Implementing entities

Implementing entities in a wider sense are all entities, whether public or private, that assist countries in implementing adaptation projects and programmes drawing on their technical and regional expertise. They can be sub-national, national, regional or international/multilateral and range from private enterprises, civil society organizations, research organizations and bilateral development cooperation agencies over national sectoral agencies and regional centres, networks and development banks to multilateral development banks and UN and other inter-governmental organizations.

In case they act as accredited implementing entities of one of the climate funds, they assist countries in converting project and programme concepts into action while adhering to the respective fund’s investment framework as well as the priorities of the recipient country government. For this they not only need to have the required expertise and experience but also meet the predefined fiduciary and safeguarding standards of the fund. They also work alongside countries to come up with project ideas, and submit funding proposals. During the implementation phase of a project they are responsible for the overall management and monitoring.

Many of the regional centres and networks listed in the previous section also act as implementing entities

Further information

Accredited Entities of the Green Climate Fund.

Implementing Entities of the Adaptation Fund.

GEF Agencies.

A list of bilateral development cooperation agencies is available here>>.

NAP Global Network

The NAP Global Network supports developing countries to advance the process to formulate and implement NAPs with a view to accelerating climate change adaptation efforts around the world. Established in 2014 the Network today connects over 1,500 participants representing adaptation decision-makers and practitioners from more than 150 developing countries working on the formulation and implementation of NAPs as well as representatives of bilateral development partners that provide support for adaptation.

Its three main activities are:

Supporting national-level action through short-term and long-term technical assistance for NAP development and implementation provided via the Country Support Hub and in-country NAP support programmes (1-4 years);
Facilitating sustained South-South peer learning and exchange (through targeted topics forums, peer learning summits and the South-South Peer Exchange Program);
Providing analyses, communications and knowledge products based on the engagement with countries’ adaptation practitioners.

Short-term support via the Country Support Hub is provided in the form of targeted incountry technical support (e.g. the development of a financing strategy, gender analysis or M&E indicators) or in the form of online expert advice from a member of the Network Secretariat or the growing roster of experts. Both types of support can be requested via an online form at any time and for free.

So far, the network has focused on the following nine key themes: (i) gender, (ii) monitoring, evaluation and learning, (iii) private sector engagement, (iv) nature-based solutions, (v) vertical integration, (vi) strategic communication, (vii) NDC-NAP alignment, (viii) sector integration, and (ix) financing the formulation and implementation of NAPs.

For all activities particular attention is given to enhancing bilateral support through donor coordination and alignment with recipient country priorities. Therefore, the steering committee of the Network is composed of representatives of developing countries as well as bilateral donor agencies. The Network is hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and funded by Germany, the US, the UK, Canada, Ireland and Austria.

Participation in the Network is open to all on an individual basis.

Further information

NAP Global Network.

The request form for submitting requests for short-term support is available here>>.

National designated authorities, entities and focal points (NDAs, NDEs and focal points)

GCF National Designated Authorities or focal points, Adaptation Fund Designated Authorities, GEF Operational Focal Points and CTCN National Designated Entities are government officials or nominated representatives who act as the interface and primary points of contact between a country and the UNFCCC secretariat, the climate funds, or the Technology Mechanism/Climate Technology Centre and Network. In their role as contact points for the UNFCCC they act as the primary contact person for all activities pertaining to the UNFCCC. Focal points or designated authorities to the funds are responsible, for example, for communicating, on behalf of their national government, the country’s priorities for financing climate-resilient development, endorsing the accreditation applications of national or regional implementing entities and/ or proposals by national, regional or multilateral implementing entities for adaptation projects and programmes. Designated entities to the Technology Mechanism serve as national entities for the development and transfer of technologies. They also act as focal points for interacting with the Climate Technology Centre and Network and in this capacity draft and compile enquiries on technology cooperation and forward these to the international network.

As such, focal points and designated authorities/ entities uphold a good strategic overview of their country’s state of vulnerability and ongoing adaptation efforts and possess the technical expertise to advise any potential implementing entity on technical and financial issues around their planned adaptation endeavour.

Further information

National focal points.

Global Environment Facility focal points.

Green Climate Fund National Designated Authorities.

Adaptation Fund Designated Authorities.

Technology Mechanism national designated entities.

Regional centres and networks

Regional centres and networks play an indispensable role in supporting countries in their region on all aspects of the formulation and implementation of NAPs. They possess the specific technical, regional and cultural expertise that is needed to establish trustful relationships with the countries and to respond to their priorities.

Many regional centres and networks are therefore aligning their adaptation work with the needs identified in regional and national development plans, including NAPs.25 Although not all of them provide direct support to countries for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, many provide training and services in related areas. These include: the generation and analysis of climate data and the provision of climate services; impact, vulnerability and risk assessments; development of tools to identify adaptation priorities; the preparation of a pipeline of adaptation projects capable of attracting development financing; stakeholder engagement and communication services.

Further information

A list of regional centres and networks working on adaptation, including the type of support they provide, their focus regions and sectors as well as their contact information is available here>>.

Adaptation Committee. 2014. Information paper: Strengthening the understanding of the roles of regional institutions and UN agencies in supporting enhanced adaptation actions in developing countries. Available here>>.

UN for NAPs (UN4NAPs)

UN4NAPs is a UN-wide rapid technical backstopping initiative to support, initially in LDCs and SIDS, the formulation and implementation of NAPs. Established by the UNFCCC secretariat, the partnership will enable the UN-wide system of organizations and other intergovernmental organizations to respond to technical requests identified by any country that is in the process of formulating or implementing its NAP.

The initiative offers a platform for countries to communicate their needs for technical support and advice on an ongoing basis, to which UN organizations can respond positively with responses. The technical support can range all the way from simple answers to technical questions to longer-term opportunities for engagement. The UNFCCC secretariat will thereby facilitate the ongoing collection of queries and requests from countries, and communicate with relevant participating organizations for their response.

Countries are invited to submit their requests for support on a rolling basis. Profiles of all participating organizations, including their NAP-specific expertise, areas in which they can assist countries and their contact information is available on the UN for NAPs website. Many of these organizations have also submitted supplements to the technical guidelines for the process to formulate and implement NAPs which provide a good overview of their specific technical expertise and areas in which they can provide support (see section 2.1 and annex 2 here>>).

Further information

UN4NAPs.

Profiles of a selection of participating organizations including their NAP-specific expertise and contact information are available at here>>. Countries can submit their requests for support on a rolling basis via un4naps@unfccc.int.

Technical support programmes offered by individual UN organizations are available via the online information source on the landscape of support for NAPs.

The Adaptation Committee (AC)

The AC is the overall advisory body to the COP on adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change. It is responsible for promoting overarching coherence and collaboration on adaptation under the Convention and the Paris Agreement and beyond. In addition, it provides technical support and guidance to Parties on all aspects of adaptation planning and implementation, ranging from the establishment of institutional arrangements to the monitoring, review and evaluation of adaptation and the reporting thereon. Finally, in collaboration with the LEG and other entities, it identifies the role of the UNFCCC in facilitating the delivery of adaptation support to all developing countries, including for the formulation and implementation of NAPs.

Through its activities it assists in identifying gaps and needs with regard to adaptation in developing countries and facilitates outreach, capacity-building and the sharing of lessons learned, good practices and expert knowledge.

The modalities of its work include the publication of technical and information papers, briefs, bulletins, guidelines and event reports, the organization of workshops and other types of events as well as the engagement with providers and recipients of support.

It has established a NAP task force consisting of members of the AC and nominees from the LEG, the SCF, the TEC, the AF, the GEF and the GCF. One of the main functions of the task force is to follow up on the operationalization of modalities identified for the support of nonLDCs’ NAPs, under the guidance of the AC. The meetings of the AC are webcasted and open to observers and all its activities and publications are accessible via its website.

Further information

Adaptation Committee.

AC publications including in relation to NAPs are available here>>.

Adaptation Finance Bulletin.

The AC can be contacted at ac@unfccc.int.

The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE)

The CGE assists developing country Parties in fulfilling their reporting requirements under the Convention and supports the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.

As part of executing its mandate it has developed training materials and conducted numerous regional hands-on training workshops on vulnerability and adaptation assessments. It also offers a compilation of reference materials on steps to integrate climate adaptation into development planning, and a list of regional centres of excellence that undertake technical work in the area of national communications.

Further information

Consultative Group of Experts.

Information and training material by the CGE is available here>>.

The CGE can be contacted at tisu@unfccc.int.

The Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)

The LEG provides technical guidance and support to the LDCs on the NAPAs, the implementation of the LDC work programme and (together with the AC) the process to formulate and implement NAPs. It is mandated to provide technical guidance and advice on accessing funding from the GCF for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, in collaboration with the GCF secretariat, and to engage a wide range of organizations in implementing its work programme.

The LEG has been producing and organizing a range of material and activities that are of direct benefit to countries which are undertaking or wish to undertake the process to formulate and implement NAPs. These are summarized in figure 7 here>>. Some of them are further explained in subsequent sections.

In addition the LEG has initiated the following activities:

The NAP technical working group, consisting of UN organizations, specialized agencies, regional networks and centres as well as bilateral and multilateral agencies with the aim of proving overall guidance and ensuring coherence and synergy of the technical work being provided to countries for the formulation and implementation of NAPs;

The co-creative Open NAP Initiative which the LEG initiated to mobilize the widest inputs from all interested and available actors and stakeholders, including innovative approaches and open peer-reviewing, to support the LDCs and other interested developing countries, in the development of their NAP. It is mainly about open access to data and information as well as the mobilization of support.

Further information

Least Developed Countries Expert Group.

LEG publications including the technical guidelines and further information material on the process to formulate and implement NAPs are available here>>.

Information on LEG regional training workshops including training materials is available here>>.

The tool for monitoring, reviewing and assessing progress, effectiveness and gaps under the process to formulate and implement NAPs (PEG M&E tool).

NAP Expo.

NAP Central.

Open NAP Initiative.

NAP Technical Working Group | UNFCCC.

The LEG can be contacted at LEGhelp@unfccc.int.

The Paris Committee on Capacity-Building (PCCB)

The PCCB was established in 2015 to address current and emerging gaps and needs in implementing and further enhancing climaterelated capacity-building in developing countries. It is also responsible for enhancing the coherence and coordination of capacity-building efforts so as to avoid the duplication of efforts of the various actors.

To that end it strengthens networks and partnerships and promotes knowledge- and experience-sharing. It also facilitates access to information and knowledge for enhancing climate action and for measuring progress in capacity-building over time

Stakeholders at all levels can join the PCCB Network which aims to foster synergies and enhance coherence and coordination in climate-related capacity-building. Under the network, knowledge exchange events such as the Capacity-building Hubs or events during the UNFCCC Regional Climate Weeks, are organized and information is disseminated, e.g. through the Capacity-building Portal. Members also receive a periodic newsletter including a calendar of capacity-building events and information on current or upcoming activities undertaken by network members. They also have the opportunity to participate in exchanges of expert knowledge and advice and receive exclusive spaces for networking during UNFCCC sessions and events.

The PCCB also maintains the Capacity-building Portal which is further described in section 2.3.1 here>>.

Further information

Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB).

PCCB Network.

Capacity-building Hub.

Capacity-building Portal

The PCCB can be contacted at pccb@unfccc.int.