Background

Transparency is at the very core of the Paris Agreement. In the context of climate change, Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) involves the reporting, review and facilitative multilateral consideration of progress of climate action and support. The ETF builds on and strengthens the existing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) arrangements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The ETF is now fully operational, and Parties to the Paris Agreement are required to submit their first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) latest by 31 December 2024[1], acknowledging that Small Islands Development States (SIDS) may submit at their discretion.

At the national level, transparency builds resilience for future climate action ensuring that response to the climate crisis is both robust and evidence based. At the global level, submitting climate information and data under the ETF helps to build trust and track progress toward objectives of the Paris Agreement. Several Parties to the Paris Agreement already took first steps to implement the ETF by submitting the first BTRs[2].

UNFCCC released the final versions of the ETF Reporting Tools on June 28, 2024. ETF Reporting Tools includes – GHG Inventory Reporting Tool, Progress Reporting Tool, and Support Reporting Tool. These tools are now available for use by Parties to electronically report information as stipulated by the modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs) of the enhanced transparency framework (decision 18/CMA.1). The ETF Reporting tools are continuously being updated by the UNFCCC Support Team to address relevant challenges faced by countries while using the tools. According to the MPGs, each Party is required to report information about its national entity or national focal point when communicating national GHG inventory report, track progress made in implementing and achieving respective NDC under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, it is crucial that an appropriate institutional setting is established to meet these reporting requirements. In addition, Parties must enhance their skills and knowledge in tracking NDC actions. 

The Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) are characterised by comparative smallness, remote location and archipelagic character, with diverse and unique national circumstances (see Annex 1 PICs in the Pacific Ocean and Annex 2 PICs indicators). This presents a distinct context for preparing climate reports. Despite these challenges, several PICs are making significant strides in enhancing their national climate reporting efforts by taking a number of initiatives. For instance, four PICs have already begun implementing in-country CBIT projects with several others are in the process to access GEF’s Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) 

set-a-side funding in the coming months[3]. These efforts, aimed at integrating transparency framework and meeting transparency requirements, are at different stages of implementation. While in-country CBIT projects in the Pacific region have made reasonable progress in incorporating reporting requirements under the BTR, other PICs could benefit from learning from their peers on common aspects of CBIT. 

A four day in-person workshop has been designed considering PICs context. The workshop will be delivered ensuring a participatory approach that will include in-class workshops and hands-on trainings. Workshop will include a peer-to-peer session dedicated to in-country CBIT projects during Day 4. 

The CBIT-GSP and GIZ in collaboration with the Government of Fiji (GoF) are planning this event. Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 will be coordinated by the CBIT-GSP and GIZ. On Day 4 the peer-to-peer learning will be coordinated and supported by the Government of Fiji     . 

The workshop will be conducted as an in-person event, with no plans to host any online session, unless it is extremely necessary. All participants will be requested to bring laptops and if possible, to download and install the IPCC Inventory Software, and have access to ETF Reporting Tool via UNFCCC platform before coming to the workshop. This is to ensure an effective hands-on training on ETF Reporting Tool. 

Objective

The overall objective of the workshop is to enhance knowledge about institutional settings and tracking of NDC actions. It aims to build momentum and support staff from the respective departments responsible for leading or coordinating climate change reporting. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to share innovative approaches in institutional settings. Additionally, it will strengthen collaboration and foster a deeper understanding on NDC actions and ETF reporting tools.

Expected outcomes 

• Building knowledge and raising awareness among stakeholders about institutional settings required to meet reporting requirements under the Paris Agreement considering respective national contexts. 
• Capability building regarding NDC actions. 
• Enhancing cooperation among agencies and stakeholders. 
• Peer-to-peer learning on best practices. 

Target Audience 

The workshop will bring together professionals from government agencies and relevant stakeholders (approximately 14 participants, one from each PICs) who are working on climate change issues in the country. This includes those involved in national communications, BTRs and NDCs, as well as information related to GHG emissions, tracking of NDC actions.

[1] https://unfccc.int/first-biennial-transparency-reports 

[2] A number of Parties have submitted first BTR. Vanuatu submitted its first BTR on 20 February 2025. 

[3] Additional initiatives include technical assistance support for ongoing MRV systems, capacity building and sectoral GHG inventory development.