Introduction

The least developed countries (LDCs) face increasing levels of vulnerability due to the double exposure to direct and indirect climate impacts and the compounding development challenges. In facing these compounding challenges, their needs also increase, and gaps grow wider.  

Recognizing the special and unique circumstances of the LDCs as espoused under Article 4.9 of the Convention, the UNFCCC process has put in place a dedicated work programme for the LDCs, the Least Developed Countries Fund, the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), national adaptation plans, and other key provisions to enable these countries to effectively protect their societies and economies from climate change, and to contribute towards achieving the global goals and objectives of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

These LDC provisions under the UNFCCC are aligned with the United Nations system support through the dedicated Programme of Action for the LDCs. The Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022–2031 is aimed at generating international attention and action on to reverse the continuing deterioration of the socio-economic condition of these most vulnerable countries from climate change impacts.

At COP 26, the LEG launched the commemoration of its twenty years of adaptation support to the least developed countries (LDCs). The commemoration is marked by a series of yearlong communication and outreach activities leading up to and ending with a high-level event at the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference.

The LEG is one of the pillars of the LDCs support under the UNFCCC and has been one of the oldest constituted body that takes pride in ensuring that the LDCs are able to address their vulnerabilities. The LEG is currently mandated to provide technical guidance and support to the LDCs on the formulation and implementation of NAPs and the implementation of the LDC work programme, among many other mandates. The LEG also provides technical guidance and advice on accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, in collaboration with the GCF secretariat.

Objectives

• Raise profile of adaptation with respect to the LDCs and highlight the need for enhanced funding to the LDCs under the GCF and other funds, to address their urgent and priority adaptation needs;
• Introduce highlights of the climate change components of the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs for 2021-2031;
• Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the LDC Expert Group and the Least Developed Countries Fund as the pillars of support to the LDCs on adaptation under the UNFCCC.

Programme