UNFCCC team/division: Technology, Means of Implementation Division
Tasks:
I. Provide support to the intergovernmental process on matters related to technology development and transfer
II. Provide substantive support to the work of the TEC in accordance with the agreed rolling workplan of the TEC in relevant thematic areas
III. Provide support to the process for conducting Technology Needs Assessment undertaken by developing countries, by:
IV. Provide support to the implementation of communication and outreach activities of unit;
Knowledge and experience gained
I have gained valuable insights that I'd like to share in three key areas.
i. Firstly, by supporting COP and SB meetings, I have gained valuable insights into the functions of the secretariat, particularly its roles as a custodian, catalyser, and convener, and its facilitative role in intergovernmental climate change negotiations. Also, working with my diverse colleagues at the UNFCCC secretariat, which I often call a melting pot, alongside those from other UN organizations, has been a master class of collaboration and learning from different cultures. Working with them I have also learned how to do things differently to achieve more fruitful outcomes, how to design efficient work processes, deliver high-quality results even under pressure, and adapt to unexpected dynamics through timely consultation and effective collaboration.
ii. Secondly, supporting the UNFCCC constituted body, the Technology Executive Committee, the policy arm of the Technology Mechanism, and various Subsidiary Body Events and Conferences of the Parties has provided me with invaluable experiences. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how intergovernmental processes function, how to navigate significant events with limited resources, and how to adapt and provide support amidst changing dynamics. Additionally, I have gained insights into developing in-session communication strategies and providing negotiation support to enhance the outcomes of these events.
iii. Working alongside the brilliant minds within the technology subdivision has significantly expanded my knowledge on cutting-edge climate technology policy that will benefit my country: My team's work on AI for climate action applications for mitigation and adaptation strategies empowers me to integrate this powerful tool into our national climate action plan. My substantive involvement in preparing mapping paper on identifying existing policy, clean technologies and partnerships for industry decarbonization, policy brief on hard-to-abate industry sectors in updated NDCs, also to prepare for organizing a technology day on transformative industry at COP29 positions me to contribute directly to decarbonizing Bangladesh's industrial sector, a critical challenge for sustainable development.
My involvement in undertaking gap assessment and success stories of Technology Needs Assessment and implemented Technology Action Plans enabled to better prepare this kind of policy with interlinkages between NDC, LT-LEDS and TNA/TAP processes and how TAP implementation contributes to TNA, NDC and LT-LEDS implementation in achieving national targets and raising ambition.
Another involvement in supporting the technology aspects of the first global stocktake third technical dialogue, world café deep dive including support in preparation of summary report and synthesis report is a lifetime experience for me where I learned how to bring good policies out in a different way from a wide range of stakeholders.
Additionally, I played a key role in compiling and synthesizing the technology sections of the 5th Biennial Reports, 8th National Communications, and the very recent synthesis of Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) submitted by Parties. This comprehensive analysis sharpened my analytical skills also provided me with invaluable insights into the landscape of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between developed and developing countries, also the low-emission technological transition pathways of countries, among others. I can confidently say that my involvement at the UNFCCC has provided me with an abundance of valuable learning experiences.
Leveraging the potential of climate technologies, mobilizing other young officials for climate action, and actively engaging with international entities are key areas where these learnings will have a transformative impact. Following learning opportunities utilized here throughout the fellowship, amongst others, will significantly contribute to enhancing the planning and implementation of climate change initiatives in Bangladesh:
Supervisor comments:
Yiaser brought to the team a high level of enthusiasm, strong technical expertise, and a deep understanding of climate action in the context of least developed countries. He made valuable contributions to the intergovernmental process on technology development and transfer, including through his excellent support to the technical phase of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
He also supported the work of the Technology Executive Committee to the full satisfaction of its members, particularly in advancing work on hard-to-abate industries, technology needs assessments, and the technology dimensions of countries’ biennial reports and long-term low-emission development strategies.
In addition, Yiaser played an important role in strengthening a global database on climate technologies, helping to enhance its relevance and usability. His engagement in this work also inspired innovative ideas for the potential application of technology solutions in his home country, reflecting the valuable two-way exchange of knowledge that he brought to the team.
Impact of Fellowship:
The CAPACITY Fellowship has been a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of global climate action in the era of rejuvenated multilateralism and strengthening my ability to drive meaningful change. Throughout the program, I have gained invaluable insights into intergovernmental processes, cutting-edge climate technologies, and innovative solutions. Working alongside diverse colleagues at UNFCCC has not only enhanced my collaborative skills but also broadened my perspective on global climate challenges. This learning curve will lead to a transformative action curve among fellow fellows, and I hope this will bring significant impacts in global efforts to curve emissions, keep the 1.5-degree goal within reach, ensure climate resilience, and ensure shared prosperity. I look forward to applying this knowledge to contribute effectively to Bangladesh’s journey towards a climate-resilient, developed, sustainable future.
Looking ahead;
Post-fellowship workplan
After completing this fellowship, I will resume my career with the government and have already set some ambitious goals to be delivered to support Bangladesh's journey towards a climate resilient developed nation by 2041-
i. Knowledge Dissemination: My primary objective is to empower young officials across various ministries and for this I aim to reach to 100 officials by an experience sharing workshop, ideally those with the authority and mandate to influence national climate plans, with the knowledge and skills I have gained from the fellowship.
ii. Clean Technology Transfer: During my fellowship, while updating the mitigation policy and technology online repository here in the technology subdivision, I identified promising clean technologies, including an innovative German technology that produces ecologically optimized and climate-positive concrete and a French technology producing clinker-free low-carbon cement. Working on the matter of transformative industry, technology needs assessment, artificial intelligence for climate action also motivated me to integrate policy recommendations and related clean technology across both public and private sector industries in Bangladesh. My goal is to facilitate the transfer of at least 10 of this kind climate friendly technologies to Bangladesh.
iii. Mobilizing Resources: I will work to establish and strengthen connections between my government and the Technology Mechanism, operating entities of the financial mechanism, and other key stakeholders, to channel clean technologies and climate finance to implement our national climate plan effectively. In this regard, I plan to create a dedicated, stakeholder-owned, knowledge-based, and globally climate action-driven financial institution to channel international climate finance for Bangladesh’s climate action plans. An entity designed specifically to attract and mobilize international grants and concessional finance to fund climate-resilient development and sustainable growth projects initially in Bangladesh, with plan to gradually expand operations in the region for a climate resilient, net zero and developed South Asia.
iv. Building a Global Network: Recognizing the power of collaboration, I intend to maintain the network forged through this fellowship. Additionally, I plan to create a global technology partnership for knowledge sharing and fostering international cooperation.
v. Continuous Learning: I understand the importance of staying updated. Therefore, I plan to continue my professional development through both degree and non-degree programs as well as attending relevant events. This will help me to stay engage as a climate technology negotiator on both national and international platforms.
vi. Advocating Bangladesh’s Climate Urgency: I envision contributing to the multilateral process of climate action by representing Bangladesh to the UNFCCC process, especially in the domain of means of implementation. The modalities could include participation as a member of a constituted body, a negotiator, a member of a negotiating group, or a representative of a regional group.
vii. In the making of a climate resilient developed nation: I plan to mainstream all my learning and experiences here to better implement my government’s climate initiatives including the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Centre, Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership to materialize the dream of becoming a climate resilient developed nation
