Gender Mandates in Climate Policy

Before you start

In the last few years, the UNFCCC – the only one out of three Rio Conventions that lacked mandates on women’s rights and gender equality from the outset – has made major strides in integrating gender across all thematic areas in the negotiations. In 2014, the Lima Work Programme on Gender launched, and in 2015, the Paris Agreement integrated gender equality as a preambular principle for all climate action, as well as in relation to adaptation and capacity building. In 2017, the first Gender Action Plan was adopted, followed in 2019 by the adoption of the enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and its Gender Action Plan. Additional decisions have aimed to enhance gender equality via both policy and practice, encouraging gender balance indecision-making as well as responsiveness to gender issues in the development, implementation and monitoring of climate change policies and actions.

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Decision 2/CP.20

Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts

Theme
Loss and Damage
Tags 
GB
RR
Event 
COP20
Year 
2014
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

Decides that the Executive Committee shall be composed of the following, taking into account the goal of gender balance pursuant to decision 23/CP.18:

Approves the initial two-year workplan of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts as contained in Annex II to document FCCC/SB/2014/4, with two activities under Action area 1:

  • Enhance the understanding of
    • how loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change affect particularly vulnerable developing countries, segments of the population that are already vulnerable owing to geography, socioeconomic status, livelihoods, gender, age, indigenous or minority status or disability, and the ecosystems that they depend on, and
    • how the implementation of approaches to address loss and damage can benefit them

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Reaffirming the provisions contained in decisions 3/CP.18 and 2/CP.19,

Appreciating the work of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts to develop its initial two-year workplan,

Taking note of the report of the Executive Committee,

1. Approves the initial two-year workplan of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts;

2. Notes the useful inputs provided by Parties, observers and other organizations as part of the transparent, inclusive and participatory process of developing the initial two-year workplan of the Executive Committee;

3. Reaffirms the establishment of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts, under the guidance of, and accountable to, the Conference of the Parties, to guide the implementation of the functions of the Warsaw International Mechanism referred to in decision 2/CP.19, paragraph 5;

4. Also reaffirms the request to the Executive Committee to report annually to the Conference of the Parties through the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation and make recommendations, as appropriate;

5. Decides that the Executive Committee shall be composed of the following, taking into account the goal of gender balance pursuant to decision 23/CP.18:

(a) Ten members from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Parties);

(b) Ten members from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (nonAnnex I Parties), comprising two members each from the African, Asia-Pacific, and the Latin American and Caribbean States, one member from small island developing States, one member from least developed country Parties, and two additional members from nonAnnex I Parties;

6. Encourages Parties to nominate to the Executive Committee experts with the diversity of experience and knowledge relevant to loss and damage associated with climate change impacts;

7. Decides that members shall serve for a term of two years and shall be eligible to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms of office, and that the following rules shall apply:

(a) Half of the members shall be elected initially for a term of three years and half of the members shall be elected for a term of two years;

(b) Thereafter, the Conference of the Parties shall elect members for a term of two years;

(c) The members shall remain in office until their successors have been elected;

8. Also decides that the Executive Committee may establish expert groups, subcommittees, panels, thematic advisory groups or task-focused ad hoc working groups to help execute the work of the Executive Committee in guiding the implementation of the Warsaw International Mechanism, as appropriate, in an advisory role, and that report to the Executive Committee;

9. Further decides that decisions of the Executive Committee shall be taken by consensus;

10. Decides that the Executive Committee shall elect annually Co-Chairs from among its members to serve for a term of one year, with one being a member from an Annex I Party and the other being a member from a non-Annex I Party;

11. Also decides on other related provisions including:

(a) If one or both Co-Chairs are absent from a particular meeting, any other member designated by the Executive Committee shall temporarily serve as the Co-Chair or Chair of that meeting;

(b) If a Co-Chair is unable to complete the term of office, the Executive Committee shall elect a replacement to complete that term of office;

12. Further decides that the Executive Committee shall meet at least twice per year, while retaining its flexibility to adjust the number of meetings, as appropriate;

13. Decides that the Executive Committee shall convene its first meeting as soon as practical following the election of its members commencing at the twentieth session of the Conference of the Parties but no later than March 2015, and at its first meeting shall adopt its rules of procedure and begin implementing its workplan;

14. Also decides that the meetings of the Executive Committee shall be open to attendance by admitted observer organizations, except where otherwise decided by the Executive Committee, with a view to encouraging a balanced regional representation of observers;

15. Further decides that the decisions and outputs of the Executive Committee shall be made publicly available on the UNFCCC website unless decided otherwise by the Executive Committee;

16. Decides that English shall be the working language of the Executive Committee;

17. Also decides that the secretariat shall support and facilitate the work of the Executive Committee, subject to the availability of resources.

Decision 9/CP.20

Fifth Review of the Financial Mechanism

Theme
Finance
Tags 
GM
Event 
COP20
Year 
2014
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

The GEF secretariat is currently developing a Gender Action Plan to be presented to the GEF Council in October 2014.

In light of the provisions of its governing instrument to take a Fund-wide ‘gender-sensitive approach’, the GCF has committed to integrating gender considerations in its procedures and operational modalities, approving an initial results management framework with provisions for sex-disaggregated indicators, including initial criteria for assessing programmes and projects proposals that include gender aspects.

In developing its own approach to gender mainstreaming, the GCF could build on the experience of the GEF. It is recommended that gender equality be integrated in the structure and organisation of the GCF itself, and that gender sensitive criteria are taken into account in funding approvals of the fund.

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 3/CP.4, 2.CP.12, 1/CP.16, 2/CP.16 and 8/CP.19,

Welcoming the progress made by the Board of the Green Climate Fund in operationalizing the Green Climate Fund,

Noting that the fifth review of the Financial Mechanism focused on the Global Environment Facility owing to the fact that the Green Climate Fund is still developing its operations and that therefore it was premature to review many aspects of the Green Climate Fund,

1. Welcomes with appreciation the expert input to the fifth review of the Financial Mechanism provided by the Standing Committee on Finance, contained in the technical paper referred to in paragraph 3 below;

2. Encourages the Standing Committee on Finance to build on the same methodology and criteria in future reviews of the Financial Mechanism;

3. Acknowledges the executive summary of the technical paper on the fifth review1 , as contained in the annex, including the conclusions and recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Finance;

4. Encourages the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism to address, as appropriate, these recommendations in their future work, particularly with regard to the complementarity between the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism;

5. Recognizes the general positive assessment of the performance of the Global Environment Facility;

6. Notes, however, that the least developed countries and small island developing States still experience challenges in accessing the resources from the Global Environment Facility;

7. Decides to consider the timing of guidance provided by the Conference of the Parties to the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism, especially that guidance which has resource implications vis-à-vis the replenishment cycles of the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism, in order to ensure that key guidance is fully considered in the programming strategies and policy recommendations associated with each replenishment period of the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism;

8. Also decides to initiate the sixth review of the Financial Mechanism at its twentysecond session (November 2016), in accordance with the criteria contained in the guidelines annexed to decision 8/CP.19, or as these guidelines may be subsequently amended;

9. Requests the Standing Committee on Finance to provide expert input to the sixth review of the Financial Mechanism in 2017 with a view to the review being completed by the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-third session (November 2017). 

 

Annex

Executive summary of the technical paper on the fifth review of the Financial Mechanism 

II. Key insights, conclusions and possible recommendations

A. Governance

3. Gender-sensitive approaches

15. The sub-study on gender mainstreaming made in the context of the fifth overall performance study of the GEF found that the GEF secretariat had made significant efforts to implement a gender mainstreaming policy, while there was scope for improvement in the application of the policy by GEF agencies. In addition, the policy recommendation of the sixth replenishment period of the GEF on further work on gender mainstreaming emphasized that more concerted efforts need to be made in order to enhance gender mainstreaming within the GEF. Accordingly, the GEF secretariat is currently developing a Gender Action Plan, which will identify ways to enhance gender mainstreaming, including the use of relevant gender-sensitive indicators and sex-disaggregated data. The Action Plan will be presented to the GEF Council in October 2014.

16. In the light of the provisions of its governing instrument to take a Fund-wide “gender-sensitive approach”, the GCF has committed to integrating gender considerations in its procedures and operational modalities. At its seventh meeting, the GCF Board approved an initial results management framework with provisions for sex-disaggregated indicators, including initial criteria for assessing programmes and projects proposals that include gender aspects. The GCF secretariat is currently preparing a draft gender action policy and action plan for consideration by the Board at its meeting in October 2014.

Conclusion and recommendation

17. The GEF has made considerable progress in mainstreaming gender into its activities. Since there is scope for improvement, an action plan is to be approved by the GEF Council in October 2014 and the results of this progress are expected to be reflected in the programmes and projects of the GEF.

18. In developing its own approach to gender mainstreaming, the GCF could build on the experience of the GEF. It is recommended that gender equality be integrated in the structure and organization of the GCF itself, and that gender-sensitive criteria be taken into account in funding approvals of the Fund.

To read the full annex, see the link here.

Decision 8/CP.20

Report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties and guidance to the Global Environment Facility

Theme
Finance
Tags 
GM
Event 
COP20
Year 
2014
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

7. Welcomes the gender mainstreaming policy of the Global Environment Facility; 

8. Requests the Global Environment Facility to ensure that gender mainstreaming is implemented both within its portfolio and within its structure;

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 12/CP.2, 3/CP.16, 5/CP.16, 7/CP.16, 11/CP.17, 9/CP.18 and 6/CP.19,

Taking note with appreciation of the annual report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties,

Taking note of the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance contained in its report to the Conference of the Parties with regard to the provision of draft guidance to the Global Environment Facility,

1. Welcomes with appreciation the sixth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (July 2014 to June 2018), while urging countries that have not fulfilled their pledges for the fifth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility to do so as soon as possible;

2. Notes that the amount of funding available for the climate change focal area was reduced in the sixth replenishment period of the Global Environment Facility and that the country allocation of some countries, including some least developed countries, small island developing States, and African States has decreased as a consequence, while highlighting that funding for climate change related interventions at the Global Environment Facility has continued to increase with pilot integrated approaches;

3. Welcomes the pledges and contributions made to the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund, and calls for continued support to these funds;

4. Notes the actions being taken by the Global Environment Facility to expedite its project cycle;

5. Encourages the Global Environment Facility to continue to cooperate with all its implementing and project agencies as well as recipient countries in order to improve its project cycle, taking into account the report of the fifth overall performance study of the Global Environment Facility3 and the recommendations contained therein;

6. Also encourages the Global Environment Facility to continue to increase the overall transparency and openness of its operations, particularly with regard to the disclosure of information on the status of the implementation of projects and programmes, the projectlevel accountability of its implementing agencies and with respect to the timely disbursement of funds, as well as the advice provided to countries on co-financing;

7. Welcomes the gender mainstreaming policy of the Global Environment Facility;

8. Requests the Global Environment Facility to ensure that gender mainstreaming is implemented both within its portfolio and within its structure;

9. Takes note of the policy on co-financing of the Global Environment Facility and the concerns regarding the implementation of this policy as raised by some Parties;

10. Encourages the Global Environment Facility to improve the communication of its co-financing policy so that it is better understood and appropriately applied by accredited project agencies and the implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility, while acknowledging the potential impacts of this policy on developing country Parties, in particular the least developed countries, small island developing States, and African States;

11. Also encourages the Global Environment Facility to finalize the accreditation of project agencies and to share, in its next report to the Conference of the Parties, lessons learned and progress made in its pilot accreditation of project agencies, particularly in the least developed countries, small island developing States and African States;

12. Requests the Global Environment Facility to continue to work with its implementing agencies to further simplify its procedures and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process through which Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention receive funding to meet their obligations under Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Convention;

13. Invites Parties to submit to the secretariat annually, in writing, and no later than 10 weeks prior to the subsequent session of the Conference of the Parties, their views and recommendations on the elements to be taken into account in developing guidance to the Global Environment Facility;

14. Requests the Standing Committee on Finance to take into consideration the submissions referred to in paragraph 13 above when providing draft guidance to the Global Environment Facility for consideration by the Conference of the Parties;

15. Also requests the Global Environment Facility to include, in its annual report to the Conference of the Parties, information on the steps that it has taken to implement the guidance provided in this decision.

Decision 1/CP.20

Lima Call for Climate Action

Theme
Mitigation
Tags 
GB
Event 
COP20
Year 
2014
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

Decides to continue the technical examination of opportunities with high mitigation potential, including those with adaptation, health and sustainable development co-benefits, in the period 2015–2020, by requesting the secretariat to provide meaningful and regular opportunities for the effective engagement of experts from Parties, relevant international organizations, civil society, indigenous peoples, women, youth, academic institutions, the private sector, and subnational authorities nominated by their respective countries.

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Reiterating that the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action shall be under the Convention and guided by its principles,

Recalling the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2,

Also recalling all the relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties, particularly decisions 1/CP.17, 2/CP.18 and 1/CP.19,

Affirming its determination to strengthen adaptation action through the protocol, another legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention to be adopted at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (November-December 2015),

Recalling decisions 2/CP.19 and 2/CP.20 and welcoming the progress made in Lima, Peru, towards the implementation of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts,

Noting with grave concern the significant gap between the aggregate effect of Parties’ mitigation pledges in terms of global annual emissions of greenhouse gases by 2020 and aggregate emission pathways consistent with having a likely chance of holding the increase in global average temperature below 2 °C or 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels,

1. Confirms that the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action shall complete the work referred to in decision 1/CP.17, paragraph 2, as early as possible in order for the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-first session to adopt a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties;

2. Decides that the protocol, another legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties shall address in a balanced manner, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity-building, and transparency of action and support;

3. Underscores its commitment to reaching an ambitious agreement in 2015 that reflects the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances;

4. Urges developed country Parties to provide and mobilize enhanced financial support to developing country Parties for ambitious mitigation and adaptation actions, especially to Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change; and recognizes complementary support by other Parties;

5. Acknowledges the progress made in Lima in elaborating the elements for a draft negotiating text as contained in the annex;

6. Decides that the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action will intensify its work, with a view to making available a negotiating text for a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties before May 2015;

7. Requests the secretariat to communicate the negotiating text referred to in paragraph 6 above to Parties in accordance with provisions of the Convention and the applied rules of procedure, while noting that such communication will not prejudice whether the outcome will be a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties;

8. Notes that the arrangements specified in this decision in relation to intended nationally determined contributions are without prejudice to the legal nature and content of the intended nationally determined contributions of Parties or to the content of the protocol, another legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties;

9. Reiterates its invitation to each Party to communicate to the secretariat its intended nationally determined contribution towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2;

10. Agrees that each Party’s intended nationally determined contribution towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2 will represent a progression beyond the current undertaking of that Party;

11. Also agrees that the least developed countries and small island developing States may communicate information on strategies, plans and actions for low greenhouse gas emission development reflecting their special circumstances in the context of intended nationally determined contributions;

12. Invites all Parties to consider communicating their undertakings in adaptation planning or consider including an adaptation component in their intended nationally determined contributions;

13. Reiterates its invitation to all Parties to communicate their intended nationally determined contributions well in advance of the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (by the first quarter of 2015 by those Parties ready to do so) in a manner that facilitates the clarity, transparency and understanding of the intended nationally determined contributions;

14. Agrees that the information to be provided by Parties communicating their intended nationally determined contributions, in order to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding, may include, as appropriate, inter alia, quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base year), time frames and/or periods for implementation, scope and coverage, planning processes, assumptions and methodological approaches including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, removals, and how the Party considers that its intended nationally determined contribution is fair and ambitious, in light of its national circumstances, and how it contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2;

15. Reiterates its call to developed country Parties, the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism and any other organizations in a position to do so to provide support for the preparation and communication of the intended nationally determined contributions of Parties that may need such support;

16. Requests the secretariat to:

(a) Publish on the UNFCCC website the intended nationally determined contributions as communicated;

(b) Prepare by 1 November 2015 a synthesis report on the aggregate effect of the intended nationally determined contributions communicated by Parties by 1 October 2015;

17. Encourages all Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to ratify and implement the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol;

18. Reiterates its resolve as set out in decision 1/CP.19, paragraphs 3 and 4, to accelerate the full implementation of the decisions constituting the agreed outcome pursuant to decision 1/CP.13 and enhance ambition in the pre-2020 period in order to ensure the highest possible mitigation efforts under the Convention by all Parties;

19. Decides to continue the technical examination of opportunities with high mitigation potential, including those with adaptation, health and sustainable development co-benefits, in the period 2015–2020, by requesting the secretariat to:

(a) Organize a series of in-session technical expert meetings which:

  • (i) Facilitate Parties in the identification of policy options, practices and technologies and in planning for their implementation in accordance with nationally defined development priorities
  • (ii) Build on and utilize the related activities of, and further enhance collaboration and synergies among, the Technology Executive Committee, the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the Durban Forum on capacity-building, the Executive Board of the clean development mechanism and the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism;
  • (iii) Build on previous technical expert meetings in order to hone and focus on actionable policy options;
  • (iv) Provide meaningful and regular opportunities for the effective engagement of experts from Parties, relevant international organizations, civil society, indigenous peoples, women, youth, academic institutions, the private sector, and subnational authorities nominated by their respective countries;
  • (v) Support the accelerated implementation of policy options and enhanced mitigation action, including through international cooperation;
  • (vi) Facilitate the enhanced engagement of all Parties through the announcement of topics to be addressed, agendas and related materials at least two months in advance of technical expert meetings;

(b) Update, following the technical expert meetings referred to in paragraph 19(a) above, the technical paper on the mitigation benefits of actions, and on initiatives and options to enhance mitigation ambition, compiling information provided in submissions from Parties and observer organizations and the discussions held at the technical expert meetings and drawing on other relevant information on the implementation of policy options at all levels, including through multilateral cooperation;

(c) Disseminate the information referred to in paragraph 19(b) above, including by publishing a summary for policymakers;

20. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action to make recommendations in relation to further advancing the technical examination process, including the periodic assessment of the technical expert meetings, to the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-first session;

21. Welcomes the Lima Climate Action High-level Meeting convened by the President of the Conference of the Parties on 11 December 2014 and encourages the Executive Secretary and the President of the Conference of the Parties to convene an annual high-level event on enhancing implementation of climate action;

22. Notes the estimated budgetary implications of the activities to be undertaken by the secretariat referred to in this decision and requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources.

Decision 19/CP.21

Extension of the mandate of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group

Theme
Adaptation
Tags 
GB
RR
Event 
COP21
Year 
2015
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

Decides that, in accordance with decision 7/CP.9, paragraph 2, new experts may be nominated to the Least Developed Countries Expert Group or existing members of the group may continue in office, as determined by the respective regions or groups, taking into account the goal of gender balance in established bodies, in accordance with decision 23/CP.18, paragraph 2; 

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decisions 5/CP.7, 7/CP.7, 27/CP.7, 28/CP.7, 29/CP.7, 7/CP.9, 4/CP.10, 4/CP.11, 8/CP.13, 6/CP.16, 3/CP.17, 5/CP.17, 12/CP.18 and 3/CP.20,

Recognizing the specific needs and special situation of the least developed countries under Article 4, paragraph 9, of the Convention,

Having considered the reports on the meetings of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, the views of Parties on the work of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, the report on the stocktaking meeting on the work of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group and the synthesis report on the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group,

Noting the importance of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group as a body that provides high-quality and relevant information on adaptation for the least developed countries,

Also noting that the least developed country Parties continue to require support for, inter alia, the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans, engagement with the Green Climate Fund, regional approaches to adaptation, and the implementation of the least developed countries work programme,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group under its current terms of reference; 

2. Also decides that the Least Developed Countries Expert Group should be mandated to provide technical guidance and advice on:

(a) The integration of climate change adaptation into national planning and the development of programmes that address both objectives of the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans;

(b) Regional approaches to adaptation planning;

(c) Accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund for the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund secretariat;

(d) Needs related to adaptation that may arise from the Paris Agreement and the decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-first session, as determined by Parties;

3. Invites the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to consider the need to update the least developed countries work programme and to make recommendations for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its forty-eighth session (April–May 2018), with a view to those recommendations being forwarded to the Conference of the Parties at its twenty-fourth session (November 2018), as appropriate;

4. Requests the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 above, when developing its two-year rolling work programme to take into account the compilation of elements contained in annex I to document FCCC/SBI/2015/8 and the compilation of gaps and needs in the least developed countries, considered at this session; 

5. Also requests the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to invite the Green Climate Fund secretariat to its meetings, as appropriate;

6. Further requests the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, recognizing its good collaboration with the Global Environment Facility, to continue to invite the Global Environment Facility and its agencies to its meetings, as appropriate;

7. Requests the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to collaborate with other constituted bodies under the Convention, including by inviting members of these bodies to participate, as appropriate, in its meetings;

8. Decides that the membership of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group should remain at 13 members;

9. Encourages the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to invite representatives of regional centres or networks to its meetings as observers, as appropriate;

10. Also encourages the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to invite relevant regional centres to nominate one focal point each for the Least Developed Countries Expert Group with a view to enhancing collaboration with those centres;

11. Invites the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to invite representatives of global programmes, projects and/or networks that support the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans to its meetings, as appropriate, as a way to promote the exchange of experiences and lessons learned;

12. Decides that, in accordance with decision 7/CP.9, paragraph 2, new experts may be nominated to the Least Developed Countries Expert Group or existing members of the group may continue in office, as determined by the respective regions or groups, taking into account the goal of gender balance in established bodies, in accordance with decision 23/CP.18, paragraph 2;

13. Also decides to review, at its twenty-sixth session, the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, with a view to adopting a decision thereon, taking into account, as appropriate, new processes and needs that may arise prior to that session;

14. Further decides on the following actions and steps necessary for the Subsidiary Body for Implementation to initiate the review referred to in paragraph 13 above at its fiftysecond session:

(a) To request the Least Developed Countries Expert Group to convene before June 2020, with the assistance of the secretariat, a meeting with representatives of Parties and relevant organizations, to take stock of its work;  

(b) To invite Parties to submit their views on the work of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group via the submissions portal5 by 1 February 2020, for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its fifty-second session;

(c) To request the secretariat to prepare a report on the stocktaking meeting referred to in paragraph 14(a) above for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its fifty-second session, as input to the review;

(d) To request the secretariat to prepare a synthesis report on the progress, need for continuation and terms of reference of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group based on submissions from Parties, reports of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, the report of the stocktaking meeting referred to in paragraph 14(c) above and other relevant information for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its fifty-second session, as input to the review;

15. Requests the secretariat to continue to facilitate the work of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group.

Decision 22/CP.21

Programme Budget for the Biennium 2016-2017

Theme
Finance
Tags 
GM
Event 
COP21
Year 
2015
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

19. Takes note of the funding estimates for the Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities specified by the Executive Secretary (EUR 51,647,777 for the biennium 2016–2017) (table 5);

Table 5: Resource Requirements for the Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities in the biennium 2016-2017

3. Support to gender mainstreaming in climate change policy and action: $398,800

Elaborated language

19. Takes note of the funding estimates for the Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities specified by the Executive Secretary (EUR 51,647,777 for the biennium 2016–2017) (table 5);

Table 5: Resource Requirements for the Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities in the biennium 2016-2017

3. Support to gender mainstreaming in climate change policy and action: $398,800

If you wish to read the full Programme budget for the biennium 2016–2017, see the URL here. 

Decision 3/CP.21

Report of the Adaptation Committee

Theme
Adaptation
Tags 
GB
RR
Event 
COP21
Year 
2015
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

8. Recalls decision 4/CP.20 which encourages Parties to nominate experts to the Adaptation Committee with a diversity of experience and knowledge relevant to adaptation to climate change, while also taking into account the need to achieve gender balance in accordance with decision 36/CP.7;

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

1. Welcomes the report of the Adaptation Committee, including its recommendations;

2. Also welcomes the workplan of the Adaptation Committee for the period 2016–2018 contained in the report referred to in paragraph 1 above;

3. Notes with appreciation the progress made by the Adaptation Committee in the implementation of its first three-year workplan;

4. Invites the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to enhance outreach activities that would facilitate policymakers’ understanding of the impact of different levels of warming on adaptation planning and actions;

5. Requests the Technology Executive Committee, in collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, to consider how it can help Parties align their technology needs assessments with the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans;

6. Invites Parties to take into account climate risk screening of national development strategies and policies aimed at enhancing livelihoods and economic diversification to enhance climate resilience;

7. Requests the Adaptation Committee to further strengthen cooperation with the Standing Committee on Finance and other constituted bodies under the Convention, with a view to enhancing coherence and collaboration regarding adaptation finance as contained in the workplan of the Adaptation Committee referred to in paragraph 2 above;

8. Recalls decision 4/CP.20, which encourages Parties to nominate experts to the Adaptation Committee with a diversity of experience and knowledge relevant to adaptation to climate change, while also taking into account the need to achieve gender balance in accordance with decision 36/CP.7;

9. Notes the considerable time requirement that membership of the Adaptation Committee entails;

10. Reiterates its encouragement made to Parties in decision 11/CP.18, paragraph 6, to make available sufficient resources for the successful and timely implementation of the work of the Adaptation Committee;

11. Takes note of the estimated budgetary implications of the activities to be undertaken by the secretariat pursuant to the provisions contained in paragraph 2 above; 12. Requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources. 

Decision 15/CP.21

Terms of Reference for the Intermediate Review of the Doha Work Programme on Article 6 of the Convention

Theme
Capacity Building
Tags 
GM
Event 
COP21
Year 
2015
Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

Gender reference

Reaffirming the importance of taking into account gender aspects and the need to promote the effective engagement of children, youth, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, local communities and non-governmental organizations in activities related to Article 6 of the Convention.

Elaborated language

The Conference of the Parties,

Recalling decision 15/CP.18,

Recognizing the progress made by Parties, international organizations and civil society in planning, coordinating and implementing activities relating to all the elements of Article 6 of the Convention – education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these matters,

Also recognizing that ensuring the availability of sufficient financial and technical resources continues to be a challenge for the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention for Parties, in particular African countries, the least developed countries and small island developing States,

Reaffirming the importance of taking into account gender aspects and the need to promote the effective engagement of children, youth, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, local communities and non-governmental organizations in activities related to Article 6 of the Convention,

Re-emphasizing the importance of building and strengthening the skills and capacities of national focal points for Article 6 of the Convention, including by continuing to facilitate a regular exchange of views, good practices and lessons learned through the organization of workshops, videoconferences and activities at the international, regional and national levels,

Recalling the invitation to multilateral and bilateral institutions and organizations, including operating entities of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, as appropriate, to provide financial support for the activities relating to the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention,

Also recalling the Lima Ministerial Declaration on Education and Awareness-raising, which stresses that education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, knowledge and international cooperation play a fundamental role in meeting the ultimate objective of the Convention and in promoting climate-resilient sustainable development,

1. Requests the Subsidiary Body for Implementation to launch the intermediate review of the implementation of the Doha work programme on Article 6 of the Convention at its forty-fourth session (May 2016) on the basis of the terms of reference contained in the annex, with a view to the review being completed by November 2016;

2. Encourages United Nations organizations, in particular the members of the United Nations Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness, to submit information on the results of their activities, including reports from relevant regional and subregional workshops, as appropriate, in order to support the implementation of the Doha work programme;

3. Requests the Global Environment Facility to report on the progress made in providing financial support and implementing activities to contribute to the implementation of the Doha work programme;

4. Invites multilateral and bilateral institutions and organizations, the private sector and donors to report on financial resources provided to support the activities relating to the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention;

5. Requests the secretariat:

  • (a) To prepare a report on the progress made, as well as emerging gaps, needs and recommendations by Parties, admitted observer organizations and other stakeholders in implementing the Doha work programme as input to the intermediate review, as specified in paragraph 5 of the terms of reference contained in the annex, for consideration by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation at its forty-fourth session;
  • (b) To continue facilitating a regular exchange of views, good practices and lessons learned among national focal points for Article 6 of the Convention;
  • (c) To continue collaborating with admitted observer organizations and other stakeholders and the members of the United Nations Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness so as to catalyse action on Article 6 of the Convention;

6. Also requests that the actions of the secretariat called for in this decision be undertaken subject to the availability of financial resources.

 

    Annex

    Terms of reference for the intermediate review of the Doha work programme on Article 6 of the Convention

    1. Mandate
      1. At its eighteenth session, the Conference of the Parties (COP) adopted the eight-year Doha work programme on Article 6 of the Convention and decided that it would be reviewed in 2020, with an intermediate review of progress in 2016, to evaluate its effectiveness, identify any emerging gaps and needs, and inform any decisions on improving the effectiveness of the work programme, as appropriate.
      2. By the same decision, the COP requested the secretariat to prepare reports on the progress made by Parties in implementing Article 6 of the Convention based on information contained in national communications, reports on the annual in-session

    Dialogue on Article 6 and other sources of information, including a report on good practices of stakeholder participation in implementing Article 6 activities. These reports will be issued regularly and in particular for the intermediate progress review in 2016 and the review in 2020.

    1. Objectives
      1. With a view to encouraging improvement based on experience, the objectives of the intermediate review of the progress made in the implementation of the Doha work programme are:
        1. To take stock of the progress made in the implementation of the Doha work programme to date, noting that this work is still ongoing;
        2. To take stock of progress in the integration of Article 6 activities into existing climate change adaptation and mitigation programmes, strategies and activities;
        3. To identify essential needs for, potential gaps in and barriers to the implementation of the Doha work programme;
        4. To identify good practices and lessons learned with a view to their dissemination, promotion and replication, as appropriate;
        5. To identify recommendations on further steps for improving the effective implementation of the Doha work programme.
    2. Information sources
      1. Information for the intermediate review of the implementation of the Doha work programme should be drawn from, inter alia:

          a. Reports on the annual in-session Dialogue on Article 6 of the Convention;

    1. A report on good practices of stakeholder participation in implementing Article 6 of the Convention;
    2. Submissions from Parties, admitted observer organizations and other stakeholders made in response to an invitation by the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) at its forty-second session, containing information on steps taken to implement the Doha work programme, such as efforts to consider the linkages between Article 6 activities, implementation of policies and measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and on emerging gaps and needs, as well as recommendations on further steps for improving the effective implementation of the Doha work programme;
    3. Relevant conclusions adopted at SBI 40,4 including the annex to document FCCC/SBI/2014/L.20;
    4. National communications and other relevant national reports;
    5. Relevant information and resource materials from United Nations organizations, in particular the members of the United Nations Alliance on Climate Change Education, Training and Public Awareness;
    6. Reports and submissions from the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention and its implementing agencies on financial support provided and activities implemented to contribute to the implementation of the Doha work programme;
    7. Reports and submissions from multilateral and bilateral institutions and organizations, the private sector and donors on financial resources provided to support the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention.

    IV.      Modalities of review and expected outcomes

    1. Drawing upon the information sources listed in paragraph 4 above, the secretariat will prepare for consideration at SBI 44 (May 2016):
      1. A synthesis report on the progress made by Parties, admitted observer organizations and other stakeholders in implementing the Doha work programme;
      2. A report on the functionality and accessibility of the information network clearing house CC:iNet.
    2. SBI 44 will consider the documents referred to in paragraph 5 above and any other information relevant to the completion of the intermediate review, including the information referred to in paragraph 4 above, with a view to recommending a draft decision on this matter for consideration and adoption at COP 22 (November 2016).
    Decision 1/CP.21

    Adoption of the Paris Agreement: Decisions to give effect to the Agreement

    Theme
    Compliance
    Tags 
    GB
    Event 
    COP21
    Year 
    2015
    Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

    Gender reference

    Decides that the committee [established to facilitate implementation of an promote compliance with the provisions of the Paris Agreement]… shall consist of 12 members with recognized competence in relevant scientific, technical, socio-economic or legal fields, to be elected by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement on the basis of equitable geographical representation, with two members each from the five regional groups of the United Nations and one member each from the small island developing States and the least developed countries, while taking into account the goal of gender balance

    Elaborated language

    III. Decisions to give effect to the Agreement

    Facilitating implementation and compliance

    102. Decides that the committee referred to in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Agreement shall consist of 12 members with recognized competence in relevant scientific, technical, socioeconomic or legal fields, to be elected by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement on the basis of equitable geographical representation, with two members each from the five regional groups of the United Nations and one member each from the small island developing States and the least developed countries, while taking into account the goal of gender balance;

    103. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement to develop the modalities and procedures for the effective operation of the committee referred to in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Agreement, with a view to the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement completing its work on such modalities and procedures for consideration and adoption by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement at its first session;

    To see the full decision, follow the link here.

    Decision 1/CP.21

    Annex: Paris Agreement, Article 7

    Theme
    Adaptation
    Tags 
    GM
    Event 
    COP21
    Year 
    2015
    Gender references Elaborated language Download PDF

    Gender reference

    Parties acknowledge that adaptation action should follow a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory and fully transparent approach, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems, and should be based on and guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples and local knowledge systems, with a view to integrating adaptation into relevant socioeconomic and environmental policies and actions, where appropriate.,

    Elaborated language

    1. Parties hereby establish the global goal on adaptation of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and ensuring an adequate adaptation response in the context of the temperature goal referred to in Article 2.

    2. Parties recognize that adaptation is a global challenge faced by all with local, subnational, national, regional and international dimensions, and that it is a key component of and makes a contribution to the long-term global response to climate change to protect people, livelihoods and ecosystems, taking into account the urgent and immediate needs of those developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

    3. The adaptation efforts of developing country Parties shall be recognized, in accordance with the modalities to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement at its first session.

    4. Parties recognize that the current need for adaptation is significant and that greater levels of mitigation can reduce the need for additional adaptation efforts, and that greater adaptation needs can involve greater adaptation costs.

    5. Parties acknowledge that adaptation action should follow a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory and fully transparent approach, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems, and should be based on and guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples and local knowledge systems, with a view to integrating adaptation into relevant socioeconomic and environmental policies and actions, where appropriate.

    6. Parties recognize the importance of support for and international cooperation on adaptation efforts and the importance of taking into account the needs of developing country Parties, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

    7. Parties should strengthen their cooperation on enhancing action on adaptation, taking into account the Cancun Adaptation Framework, including with regard to: (a) Sharing information, good practices, experiences and lessons learned, including, as appropriate, as these relate to science, planning, policies and implementation in relation to adaptation actions;

    (b) Strengthening institutional arrangements, including those under the Convention that serve this Agreement, to support the synthesis of relevant information and knowledge, and the provision of technical support and guidance to Parties;

    (c) Strengthening scientific knowledge on climate, including research, systematic observation of the climate system and early warning systems, in a manner that informs climate services and supports decision-making;

    (d) Assisting developing country Parties in identifying effective adaptation practices, adaptation needs, priorities, support provided and received for adaptation actions and efforts, and challenges and gaps, in a manner consistent with encouraging good practices; and

    (e) Improving the effectiveness and durability of adaptation actions.

    8. United Nations specialized organizations and agencies are encouraged to support the efforts of Parties to implement the actions referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article, taking into account the provisions of paragraph 5 of this Article.

    9. Each Party shall, as appropriate, engage in adaptation planning processes and the implementation of actions, including the development or enhancement of relevant plans, policies and/or contributions, which may include:

     (a) The implementation of adaptation actions, undertakings and/or efforts;

    (b) The process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans;

    (c) The assessment of climate change impacts and vulnerability, with a view to formulating nationally determined prioritized actions, taking into account vulnerable people, places and ecosystems;

    (d) Monitoring and evaluating and learning from adaptation plans, policies, programmes and actions; and (e) Building the resilience of socioeconomic and ecological systems, including through economic diversification and sustainable management of natural resources.

    10. Each Party should, as appropriate, submit and update periodically an adaptation communication, which may include its priorities, implementation and support needs, plans and actions, without creating any additional burden for developing country Parties.

    11. The adaptation communication referred to in paragraph 10 of this Article shall be, as appropriate, submitted and updated periodically, as a component of or in conjunction with other communications or documents, including a national adaptation plan, a nationally determined contribution as referred to in Article 4, paragraph 2, and/or a national communication.

    12. The adaptation communications referred to in paragraph 10 of this Article shall be recorded in a public registry maintained by the secretariat.

    13. Continuous and enhanced international support shall be provided to developing country Parties for the implementation of paragraphs 7, 9, 10 and 11 of this Article, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 9, 10 and 11.

    14. The global stocktake referred to in Article 14 shall, inter alia:

    (a) Recognize adaptation efforts of developing country Parties;

    (b) Enhance the implementation of adaptation action taking into account the adaptation communication referred to in paragraph 10 of this Article;

    (c) Review the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support provided for adaptation; and

    (d) Review the overall progress made in achieving the global goal on adaptation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. 

     

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