Background

The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), established under the Paris Agreement, represents a fundamental pillar for fostering mutual trust and confidence among Parties, thereby promoting the effective implementation of global climate action. A key component of this framework is the requirement for all Parties to submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). These reports signify a substantial evolution from previous reporting mechanisms, such as Biennial Update Reports (BURs) and National Communications (NCs), and are a crucial step towards greater accountability in global climate efforts. The initial deadline for the first BTR submission, set for December 31, 2024, underscored the immediate and critical need for countries to develop and master robust data management practices.   

The success of BTRs hinges on the quality and integrity of the underlying data. Robust data management is therefore not merely a procedural requirement but an imperative. It necessitates aligning national systems with the detailed Modalities, Procedures, and Guidelines (MPGs) stipulated under the ETF, effectively addressing potential data gaps, enhancing technical capacity for complex reporting areas, and ensuring robust institutional arrangements for seamless data flow and governance. The foundational principles of Transparency, Accuracy, Consistency, Comparability, and Completeness (TACCC) are paramount for all reported data, as adherence to these principles directly ensures the credibility of reports and facilitates an effective and facilitative technical review process.   

Countries across the Asia region have encountered diverse experiences, challenges, and opportunities in their transition to this new framework. Common data-related challenges include difficulties in data acquisition, populating specific reporting tables (such as CRTs and CTFs), effectively utilizing new reporting tools, and navigating overarching technical and methodological complexities in data processing. Furthermore, many developing countries frequently cite limited technical and human capacities, alongside insufficient institutional arrangements and inadequate data systems, as significant impediments to comprehensive reporting. A persistent issue is the challenge of compiling historical data, particularly for periods extending back to 1990, due to data unavailability.   

Tracking progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) presents its own set of data complexities for many countries. These include inconsistencies in NDC structures and reporting mechanisms across various countries, hindering comparability, and the need for clearer sectoral strategies and improved data standardization to facilitate regional harmonization. Moreover, reporting on cross-cutting themes, such as gender and youth inclusion, faces challenges, with existing data noted as "critically deficient/insufficient" in many contexts. This highlights a broader need for more disaggregated and inclusive data collection practices. An emerging data demand for many nations stems from the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure, driven by ambitions to become regional hubs for artificial intelligence and digital solutions. While this digital transformation is crucial, these centers are energy-intensive, implying an increasing need to accurately collect and report data on their energy consumption and environmental impact within national GHG inventories.   

Objective

The overarching objective of this webinar series is to facilitate in-depth knowledge exchange and practical capacity building across the Asia regions. The series will specifically focus on strengthening national BTR data management systems and processes, drawing significantly from evolving experiences and landscapes across the region.

Specific Objectives:

• To share firsthand experiences, practical insights, and effective solutions regarding data acquisition, quality assurance, and management challenges encountered by countries in the Asia region, particularly drawing from early BTR submission journeys.   
• To provide a collaborative platform for countries to learn from successful strategies and innovative solutions employed in managing data for complex reporting areas, including Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories, tracking Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) progress, and reporting on support needed and received.   
• To identify common technical and methodological challenges related to data (e.g., data gaps, issues of consistency, optimal use of reporting tools, and requirements for data disaggregation) and discuss practical, actionable approaches to overcome these hurdles.   
• To offer clear and practical insights into data preparation for continuous transparency, covering essential data organization, comprehensive documentation, and strategies for enhancing data quality for future reporting cycles.   
• To understand specific capacity-building needs related to BTR submission and subsequent reporting cycles, and to explore effective support modalities and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.   
• To foster regional collaboration, networking, and peer learning on strengthening data systems for effective ETF implementation, promoting data harmonization, and enhancing mutual accountability in climate action.   

Webinar Structure

The webinar series is strategically divided into two distinct parts, each designed for a 1.5 to 2 hour duration, to provide a focused, progressive, and digestible learning experience for technical participants.   

Webinar 1: This session will concentrate on the foundational aspects of BTR data management, encompassing critical stages of data collection, ensuring data quality, and establishing robust institutional arrangements during the BTR preparation and submission phase. A strong emphasis will be placed on practical experiences and lessons learned from countries in the region.

Webinar 2: This session will shift its focus to advanced data management strategies, detailing essential data preparation for continuous improvement, ensuring consistency, transparency, and overall readiness for future reporting cycles. This part will also draw on valuable regional insights and expert perspectives.

Both webinars will incorporate interactive Q&A sessions and Mentimeter surveys to maximize participant engagement, facilitate immediate feedback, and gather insights for future capacity-building support. The overall approach for the series is characterized by:

Practical & Experience-Based Learning: The series will leverage "firsthand experiences"  and "lessons learned"  directly from countries that have undergone the BTR process, providing concrete examples and actionable insights.   

Technical Depth: The content will delve into "technical and methodological challenges"  inherent in BTR data management, ensuring the discussions are relevant and valuable for a highly technical audience.   

Country-Specific Focus: A dedicated focus on integrating concrete examples, specific challenges, and innovative solutions from countries in the region, will ground theoretical concepts in real-world application, offering tangible case studies for participants.

Facilitative & Collaborative Environment: The webinars are designed to actively promote "knowledge exchange," "mutual learning," and "regional collaboration" , fostering a supportive environment for participants to share experiences and collectively strengthen their transparency capacities.