In May 2024, the first Global Transparency Forum took place. Hosted by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, the event was held at the United Nations University in Japan’s capital city with the special participation of representatives from the presidencies of COP28, COP29 and next year’s COP30 (Conferences of the Parties to the UNFCCC).

The first Forum was organised by the CBIT-GSP implemented by the UNEP Centre on Climate Change (UNEP-CCC), supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP Climate Promise and the Ministry of Environment of Japan.

This event marked a pivotal moment in international climate cooperation relating to transparency. As countries were, and continue to, prepare for the first-ever submission of their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) by 31 December 2024 and their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 10 February 2025, the Forum served as a crucial platform for enhancing global collaboration on transparency in climate action.

Bringing together over 180 government officials, experts, and representatives from international organizations, the Forum facilitated in-depth discussions on the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement. The high-level dialogue and various sessions highlighted the integral role of transparency in tracking and boosting climate action, with a focus on aligning efforts towards keeping the 1.5°C temperature limit alive. 

First Global Transparency Forum Objectives

• To highlight the urgency of preparing the first BTR and the next round of NDC in line with the stipulated timelines.
• To explore the critical interlinkages of the BTR and NDC preparation processes and how to better synergize these processes, with the ultimate goal of raising ambition. 
• To take stock of the progress made in countries to build capacity for transparency with CBIT support and to prepare BTR. 
• To take stock of countries' readiness for the ETF. 
• To explore how to foster synergies and partnerships to support countries to address challenges.

Outcomes from the First Global Transparency Forum

Key outcomes from the Forum included:

• Strengthening the commitments of climate transparency under the Paris Agreement,
• Identification of strategies for addressing challenges in ETF implementation,
• Enhancing cooperation among countries and support providers. 

The Forum also underlined the necessity of robust data and transparent reporting to build trust and drive more ambitious climate actions globally. 

It addressed the urgent need for support and cooperation for the effective implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework as a bedrock for building mutual trust among nations in the multilateral response to climate change.