SBI 63, 10-15 November 2025, Belém

The SBI will consider the work of the LEG, take further action, as appropriate, and outline the steps for the stocktake of the work of the LEG in order to review its progress and terms of reference for consideration at COP 30 and CMA 7. 

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2025/15: The 48th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

FCCC/SBI/2025/17: Progress in the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans. Note by the secretariat 

Further information: https://unfccc.int/LEG

SBI 62, 16-26 June 2025, Bonn

The SBI considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2025–2026. It also considered the progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme.

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2025/7: The 47th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

FCCC/SBI/2024/23: Progress in the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans. Note by the secretariat

FCCC/SBI/2024/10: Progress towards the achievement of the objectives of the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans, as well as experience, best practices, lessons learned, gaps and needs, and support provided and received. Synthesis report by the secretariat

FCCC/SBI/2024/12: Progress in the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans. Report by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group in collaboration with the Adaptation Committee

Further information: https://unfccc.int/LEG and https://unfccc.int/event/leg-47

SBI 61, 11-16 November 2024, Baku

The SBI considered the progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme for 2024-2025, and recommended a decision for consideration and adoption by COP 29 (the decision text is available at https://unfccc.int/documents/644429). It also agreed to continue consideration of the steps for the stocktake of the work of the LEG at its sixty-third session (November 2025), with a view to recommending draft decisions for consideration and adoption at both COP 30 and CMA 7. 

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2024/22: The 46th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related event:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in providing guidance and support for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, Monday, 11 November 2024

SBI 60, 3-13 June 2024, Bonn

The SBI considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2023–2024. It also considered the progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme.

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2024/5: The 45th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related event:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in providing guidance and support for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, Monday, 3 June 2024

SBI 59, 30-12 December 2024, Dubai

The SBI considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2023–2024. It also considered the progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme.

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2023/17: The 44th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat 

Related event: 

LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Monday, 4 December 2023

SBI 58, 5-15 June 2023, Bonn

The SBI considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2023–2024. It also considered the progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme.

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2023/7: The 43rd meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related event:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Tuesday, 6 June 2023

SBI 57, 6–12 November, Sharm el-Sheikh

The SBI considered the progress of the work of the LEG in implementing its work programme for 2022-2023. It also considered the rules of procedure of the LEG and recommended them for adoption by COP 27 and CMA 4.

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2022/18: The 42nd meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related event:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Friday, 11 Nov 2022

SBI 56, 6-16 June 2022, Bonn

The SBI considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2022–2023.

Outcome: FCCC/SBI/2022/L.9

Documents for the session:

FCCC/SBI/2022/6:  The 41^st meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related event:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Tuesday, 7 June 2022

SBI 52-55, October-November 2021, Glasgow

The SBI reviewed the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the LEG. It also considered the progress in the implementation of the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG.

Documents for the session:

Reports on the review of the mandate of the LEG

• FCCC/SBI/2020/8: Progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Synthesis report by the secretariat
• FCCC/SBI/2020/7: Stocktaking meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the Secretariat

Reports on the meetings of the LEG

• FCCC/SBI/2021/13:  The 40^th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat
• FCCC/SBI/2021/6: The 39^th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat
• FCCC/SBI/2020/14: The 38^th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat
• FCCC/SBI/2020/6: The 37^th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat

Related events:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Friday, 5 November 2021

2021 session of the SBI (May-June), Virtual meeting

SBI 52

SBI 52 will considered progress in the implementation of the work of the LEG including its work programme for 2020. It also considered the accessibility and transparency of the LEG meetings and information on its work plan activities.

Documents for the session:

• The 37th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (see document (FCCC/SBI/2020/6)
• Stocktaking meeting convened by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2020/7)
• Progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Synthesis report by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2020/8)

Related events:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Tuesday, 6 October 2020 (TBC)

SBI 51, December 2019, Madrid

SBI 51 considered progress in the implementation of the two-year rolling work programme of the LEG for 2019–2020.

Documents for the session:
The 36th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (see document FCCC/SBI/2019/16)

Related events:
LEG side event: Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Tuesday, 3 December 2019

SBI 50, June 2019, Bonn

SBI 50 considered the work of the LDC Expert Group, including its 2019–2020 work programme. It also considered the provisions for support and flexibility provided to the least developed countries (LDCs) under the Convention and the Paris Agreement and on how the provisions can assist the LDCs in making a smooth transition from LDC status, in the light of United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/221.

Documents for the session:
The 35th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (see document FCCC/SBI/2019/5)

Related events:
LEG side event entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation", Tuesday, 18 June 2019

SBI 49, December 2018, Katowice

SBI 49 considered the work programme for 2018–2019 of the LDC Expert Group (LEG) contained in the report of the 34th meeting of the LEG (see document FCCC/SBI/2018/18). It also completed its consideration of the joint recommendations of the Adaptation Committee and the LEG to the CMA in response to decision 1/CP.21, paragraphs 41 and 45.

Documents for the session:
The 34th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (See document FCCC/SBI/2017/18)
Related events:
LEG side event entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation", Tuesday, 4 December 2018

SBI 48, April-May 2018, Bonn

SBI 48 considered the two-year rolling work programme of the LDC Expert Group. It also considered report on the provisions for support and flexibility provided to the LDCs under the Convention and the Paris Agreement and on how the provisions can assist the LDCs in making a smooth transition from LDC status, in the light of United Nations General Assembly resolution A/67/221 prepared by the secretariat as requested at SBI 47. Furthermore, SBI 48 continued the consideration of the recommendations forwarded by the AC and the LEG on the joint mandate stemming from decision 1/CP.21, paragraphs 21 and 45.

Documents for the session:
•    The 33rd meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (See document FCCC/SBI/2018/4)
•    Provisions on support and flexibility for the least developed countries and the assistance thereof to a smooth transition from least developed country status (FCCC/SBI/2018/8)

Related events:
LEG side event entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation", Tuesday, 1 May 2018

SBI 47, November 2017, Bonn

SBI 47 considered the LEG work programme for 2017-2018 contained in the report of the 32nd meeting of the LEG (see document FCCC/SBI/2017/14). It also considered joint recommendations prepared by the LEG and the Adaptation Committee arising from the Paris Agreement for consideration and adoption at CMA 1 in accordance with decision 1/CP.21, paragraphs 41 and 45 (see document FCCC/SB/2017/2/Add.1–FCCC/SBI/2017/14/Add.1).

Documents for the session:
•    The 32nd meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (See document FCCC/SBI/2017/14) 
•    Report of the Adaptation Committee. The 32nd meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Addendum. Recommendations of the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group for addressing decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 41, and, in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Finance, decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 45 (See document FCCC/SB/2017/2/Add.1–FCCC/SBI/2017/14/Add.1)

Related events:
LEG side event entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation", Tuesday 7 November 2017

SBI 46, May 2017, Bonn

SBI 46 considered the LEG work programme for 2017-2018 contained in the report of the 31st meeting of the LEG (see document FCCC/SBI/2017/6). It also considered information from the LEG on ways to further enhance the provision of support to the least developed countries for accessing funding from the GCF for the process to formulate and implement NAPs.

Documents for the session:

• The 31st meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2017/6)

Related events:

• LEG side event entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation", Tuesday 9 May, 18:30-20:00, Room Bonn.
• Joint AC and LEG special event on progress towards implementation of the Paris Agreement mandates, Friday 12 May, 10:00-13:00.

SBI 45 / COP 22, November 2016, Marrakech

SBI 45 considered progress made by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) in implementing its work programme for 2016 - 2017.

Documents for the session:

• The 30th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2016/18)
• Progress in the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans. Note by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2016/INF.11)

Related events:

• Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation, Tuesday 8 November 2016 from 18:30 to 20:00, Room Pacific
• Joint AC and LEG side event on interim results towards implementation of the Paris Agreement mandate, Thursday 10 November 2016 from 13:15 to 14:45

SBI 44, May 2016, Bonn

SBI 44 considered the LEG work programme for 2016-2017 contained in the report on the 29th meeting of the LEG (see document FCCC/SBI/2016/7).

Documents for the session:
The 29th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Report by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2016/7)

The LEG side event at SBI 44 took place on Tuesday 17 May from 18:30-20:00 in Room Kaminzimmer. 

SBI 43 / COP 21, November/December 2015, Paris

SBI 43 considered progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme for 2015.

Documents for the session:

• Report on the 28th meeting of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group. Note by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2015/19 and Corr.1)
• Information paper on the NAP Expo and the regional training workshops on national adaptation plans: experiences, good practices and lessons learned in addressing adaptation in the least developed countries. Note by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2015/INF.14)

The LEG side event at SBI 43 entitled "Work of the LEG in supporting LDCs on NAPs and NAPAs" took place on Tuesday 1 December from 18:30 to 20:00 in Observer room 4.

Outcomes: Conclusions adopted by the SBI can be found in document FCCC/SBI/2015/22. In Paris, the COP (decision 19/CP.21), renewed the mandate of the LEG for a period of five years (2016-2020).

SBI 42, June 2015, Bonn

SBI 42 considered progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme for 2014-2015 and considered the LEG work programme for 2015 contained in the report on the 27th meeting of the LEG (see document FCCC/SBI/2015/7, Annex II).

Documents for the session:

• Synthesis report on the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the LEG. Note by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2015/6)
• Views on the work of the LEG. Submissions by Parties (FCCC/SBI/2015/MISC.2)
• Report on the stocktaking meeting on the work of the LEG. Note by the secretariat (FCCC/SBI/2015/8)

The LEG side event at SBI 42 took place on Tuesday 2 June from 18:30-20:00, in Berlin Room (112).
Outcomes: Conclusions adopted by the SBI at this session can be found in document FCCC/SBI/2015/10, page 14.

Draft decision on the extension of the mandate of the LEG, for consideration and adoption at COP 21 can be found in document FCCC/SBI/2015/10/Add.1, page 6.

The LEG organized the following events in the first half of the year:

• The second regional training workshop on NAPs for 2014-2015. The workshop was for Eastern and Southern African LDCs and was also open to developing countries that are not LDCs in the region. The workshop took place from 23-27 February  in Livingstone, Zambia;
• A stocktaking meeting on the work of the LEG as mandated by the COP (decision 6/CP.16). The stocktaking meeting took place from 9-11 March in Bangkok, Thailand, back to back with the LEG 27th meeting;
• The NAP Expo on realizing the NAP process on 14 and 15 April, in Bonn, Germany;
• A workshop on experiences, good practices, lessons learned, gaps and needs on the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans, in collaboration with the Adaptation Committee. The workshop took place on 16 and 17 April, immediately following the NAP Expo. 

At SBI 40, the SBI considered the LEG work programme for 2014-2015, which is contained in the report on the LEG twenty-fifth meeting.

At SBI 41, the SBI considered progress made by the LEG in implementing its work programme for 2014-2015, as contained in the report on the LEG twenty-sixth meeting.

The LEG conducted its first regional workshop on NAPs for 2014-2015, in collaboration with the NAP global support programme for LDCs. This first workshop was for Pacific LDCs but was also open to non-LDCs developing countries in the region. The workshop took place from 3-7 November 2014 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

The LEG completed its four regional training workshops for 2012-2013 for LDCs on adaptation (FCCC/SBI/2013/16) and further developed its support to LDCs for the NAP process.

The LEG also finalized the technical guidelines for the NAP process. Accompanying resources (an overview publication, Poster and CD-ROM) are also available for use by the LDCs in formulating their NAPs. They are available here.

In response to the mandate of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its thirty seventh session (SBI 37) (FCCC/SBI/2012/33, paragraphs 53-73), the LEG organized an event, in conjunction with SBI 38, to launch the NAP process in LDCs. The event, entitled NAP expo: launching of the NAP process, took place on Sunday 9 June 2013.

The LEG, in response to the COP requests at COP 17, developed technical guidelines for the NAP process and organized an expert meeting to review the draft guidelines. Furthermore, the expert group designed training materials and conducted one of four regional training workshops on adaptation for LDCs.

At COP18/SBI 37, the SBI requested the LEG to organize a NAP event at the next SBI session.

At COP 17 in Durban, the LEG was requested to provide technical guidance and support to the NAP process (decision 5/CP.17). The COP requested the LEG to also prepare technical guidelines for the NAP process based on the initial guidelines adopted at this COP and arrange a review of the technical guidelines before COP 19.  The LEG was also to identify support for the process of formulation and implementation of the NAPs and to invite the Adaptation Committee (AC) and other relevant bodies under the Convention to contribute to its work in support of the NAP process.

In addition, the COP requested the LEG (decision 9/CP.17) to provide further specification on each of the elements of the LDC work programme other than the NAPA, in consultation with the GEF.

In Cancun, the COP (decision 6/CP.16), renewed the mandate of the LEG for a period of five years (2011-2015).  The LEG mandate was also expanded to include the provision of support to the LDCs on the revision and update of NAPAs, the LDC work programme, gender considerations and considerations of other vulnerable communities, and medium-and long-term adaptation.

The LEG activities included the publication of a step-by-step guide for implementing NAPA. In addition, over the course of 2009-2010, the expert group, organized five regional training workshops on implementing NAPAs. The workshops took place respectively in Tanzania for African Anglophone LDCs (2009), Mali for Francophone LDCs (2010), Lao's People Democratic Republic for Asian LDCs (2010), Sao Tome and Principe for Lusophone LDCs (2010) and Samoa for Pacific LDCs (2010)

In September, the LEG organized a stocktaking meeting on NAPA preparation and implementation. In December, the mandate of the LEG was extended for an additional three years (2008-2010).

The group developed an online local coping strategies database.

The mandate of the LEG was extended for an additional three years (2005-2007) (decision 4/CP.11). The group prepared several technical papers to support NAPA preparation and the design of the implementation of NAPAs.

The COP requested the LEG (decision 4/CP.10) to prepare possible elements on the role of the Expert Group in support of the implementation of NAPAs and to include in its next report to the SBI, in consultation with LDC Parties, information on potential technical and financial difficulties that LDC Parties may have in the implementation of NAPAs.

In 2003, the LEG organized four regional training workshops on NAPA preparation in Samoa for Pacific LDCs, Ethiopia for African Anglophone LDCs, Bhutan for Asian LDCs and Burkina Faso for Francophone LDCs.

In response to the COP guidance the LEG developed annotated guidelines for the preparation of NAPAs and released them in July 2002. The expert group organized a launch event of the NAPA programme in Dhaka, Bangladesh in September 2002.

At its seventh session, in Marrakech, the COP adopted the LDC work programme (decision 5/CP.7). This programme is the most substantial support that had, as yet, been given to the LDCs in relation to climate change over the decade 2001-2010. Under this programme, the COP established the LDCF (decision 7/CP.7), as well as the LEG (decision 29/CP.7) The LEG was initially mandated to provide technical guidance and advice to LDCs for the preparation and implementation of NAPAs.

At its sixth session, the COP adopted a resolution as input to the Third United Nations Conference on LDCs.  This Conference adopted the Brussels Programme of Action for LDCs for the decade 2001-2010.

The UNFCCC, entered into force on 21 March 1994 and recognized LDCs in Article 4, paragraph 9 of the Convention which states that '˜the Parties shall take full account of the specific needs and special situations of the least developed countries in their actions with regard to funding and transfer of technology'.