Guidance

Actions in support of Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) and the implementation of their outcomes are at the core of the work on technology development and transfer under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Over time and through an iterative process, collective learnings and practical insights from the global- and country-level work on TNAs have informed and enriched the TNA methodology, including through growing guidance available to countries and implementation actors. 

This page provides a non-exhaustive overview of existing guidance, particularly that developed by the TEC and under the Global TNA Project,  to support countries in conducting TNAs and enhancing the implementation of their outcomes, namely Technology Action Plans (TAPs).

Technology Executive Committee

The technology framework of the Paris Agreement, which guides the work of the bodies of the Technology Mechanism, highlights TNA as a key topic under the implementation theme. The Joint Work Programme of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) (2023-2027) identifies the TNA as a priority for common areas of work.

As the policy arm of the Technology Mechanism, the TEC continually analyzes TNAs, monitors lessons learned and good practices from undertaking TNAs and implementation of their results, and develops guidance to support countries to enhance the effectiveness and utility of the TNA process. 

Global TNA Project

Implemented by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), the GEF-Funded Global TNA Project, across different phases of implementation, has provided a growing body of guidance and practical resources to assists developing countries in conducting TNAs and implementing prioritized technologies therein for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The TNA guidance is developed or updated based on lessons and feedback from stakeholders and in response to Parties' mandate. For example, in 2017, the TEC and UNEP-CCC (formerly UNEP-DTU Partnership) collaborated on the provision of enhanced guidance for preparing TAPs, in response to a mandate by the COP 20. 

Other resources 

Other resources pertaining to the TNA process and implementation of prioritized technologies may be found in the work of the bodies of the Technology Mechanism and operating entities of the Financial Mechanism under the UNFCCC, and other TNA implementation partners under and outside of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.