As part of the in-country support to Azerbaijan.

Background

The transition to robust, transparent climate action hinges on effective Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. As part of international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, countries are required to provide accurate and transparent reports on their greenhouse gas emissions, climate actions, and progress towards meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Establishing reliable MRV systems is crucial for monitoring these efforts, ensuring accountability, and informing future climate policy decisions.

However, the development and implementation of MRV systems, particularly online platforms, present several challenges, including technical complexities, data management, coordination between multiple stakeholders, and the need for adequate financial and human resources. Many countries are at different stages of building these systems, with varying levels of capacity and resources. While some have successfully developed comprehensive MRV systems, others are still grappling with the design, structure, and integration of these systems into national frameworks.

Given the importance of transparency and the growing demand for real-time, accessible data, there is a significant opportunity for countries to learn from each other’s experiences. By exchanging knowledge and best practices, countries can avoid common pitfalls, accelerate system development, and align with international standards. This workshop serves as a collaborative space where countries can share insights, discuss challenges, and identify innovative solutions to ensure that online MRV and transparency systems are effective, sustainable, and adaptable to future needs. Through this exchange, participants will be better equipped to implement systems that not only comply with global commitments but also contribute to enhanced climate action at the national level.

To date, several countries in Eurasia, South and Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caucasus have made progress in developing these online MRV systems, aligning them with domestic climate monitoring processes to ensure data transparency, track progress toward NDCs, and enhance institutional arrangements for transparency and climate reporting more broadly.

To assist developing countries in meeting ETF requirements, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) offers support through initiatives like the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) and national projects such as Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). At the global level, the CBIT Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP), implemented by UNEP-CCC, helps countries build the institutional and technical capacities needed for transparent climate reporting.

At the national level, Azerbaijan implements the projects such as "Azerbaijan: Enabling Activities for the Preparation of the Third Biennial Update Report (BUR3) and First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1)" and “Capacity Building for Azerbaijan to Meet the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework”. Both initiatives are supported by GEF, implemented by UNEP, and executed by the Azerbaijan Branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC). The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR) is leading these efforts and is the main beneficiary of the CBIT project results. 

Objective

The primary objective of this workshop is to facilitate the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in establishing transparency (MRV) systems, enabling countries to enhance their capacity for accurate climate reporting and accountability. 

Other objectives:

• To create a platform for sharing real-world examples, experiences, challenges, and solutions in establishing and maintaining online transparency (MRV) systems and digital spaces for climate reporting.
• To explore key methodologies, technologies, and institutional arrangements that contribute to the successful deployment and operation of MRV systems.
• To draw on lessons learned and outcomes from the current CBIT-1 projects to inform the design and development of future CBIT-2 projects.
• To promote peer learning and strengthen collaboration between countries and experts, fostering the development of transparent and accountable climate reporting systems. 

Target Audience and Language

This workshop is targeted towards the participants from selected countries in Eurasia, South and Latin America, Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus, which are already having the established and fully operational transparency systems. Some selected participants from Central Asia, the Caucasus and Eurasia which are at the developing or planning stage of their transparency (MRV) systems, will also be invited, to facilitate mentoring and learning. 

The event will be held in English.