To achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, implementation of climate technologies is necessary on a large scale and in short time. Climate technologies are successfully operating and well proven in many countries. However, climate technologies are still only moderately implemented in many developing countries. Under the Paris Agreement, Parties to the UNFCCC came together to transform their development trajectories, so that they set the world on a course towards limiting warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. Technologies already play and will continue to play key roles in these transformations.

Technology Needs Assessments (TNA) of developing countries provide an opportunity to communicate their climate mitigation and adaptation technology needs, with a view of implementing these needs. TNAs track evolving needs for new equipment, techniques, practical knowledge and skills to mitigate greenhouse gases and adapt to adverse impacts of climate change.

Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of these long-term goals. NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Each NDC reflects the country’s ambition for reducing emissions and vulnerabilities to climate change, considering its domestic circumstances and capabilities.

Both the TNAs and NDCs processes are country driven with a common aim of implementation. The mature TNA methodology, which provides a basis for many successfully implemented technology projects and programmes, could also be a solid background to build upon, when preparing and implementing the NDCs. This side event aims to enhance understanding of the synergies between the TNAs and the NDCs; to highlight countries’ experiences; and to learn about funding opportunities for countries when conducting their TNAs.