4-6 October 2022
Workshop

15th regional workshop on capacity development for climate change negotiations

Location
  • Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Share
twitter social icon linkedin social icon facebook social icon mail icon

ESCWA, in partnership with the League of Arab States, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Arab Negotiation Group, is organizing the 15th regional workshop on capacity development for climate change negotiations for the Arab countries, hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The main objective of this workshop is to support Arab States in implementing the outcome decisions of COP 26 and Bonn Climate Change Conference (held in June 2022) and discuss critical issues for the upcoming COP 27 related to adaptation, mitigation, finance, global stock-take, enhanced transparency framework, response measures and technology. Discussions are also focusing on the science-policy interface in climate change negotiations as well as regional positions and priorities in preparation for COP 27.

Previous regional workshops on capacity development for climate change negotiations are available at this page. 

Outcome document

  • The science-policy interface interconnected the workshop’s topics that covered major negotiations issues in relevance to COP 27.
  • A wide range of negotiations issues were covered including, adaptation, climate finance, transparency, response measures, technology, and gender.
  • The region needs more technical support in the areas related to measuring adaptation and identifying climate finance needs as well as accessing available climate funds.
  • Further research and studies are needed to assess the economic impacts of climatic changes and response measures to climate change on different sectors in order to better inform policymaking.
  • Net-zero carbon targets is one of the major topics that needs to be further addressed by scientific research that take into consideration varying national contexts in the region.
  • Technology-needs assessment (TNA) is an opportunity for the region’s countries to identify gaps and needs for technological solutions in adapting to and mitigating climate change.
  • There is need for further capacity building and technical and financial support for the Arab Group; especially as there is a new generation joining the negotiations.
  • There is a need for more focused thematic workshops on specific topics that are of top priority to the Arab States to be conducted in the upcoming period towards COP 28.

The opening of the workshop featured the representatives of ESCWA and partner organizations as well as the president of the Civil Aviation Authority in Sultanate of Oman along with the president of the Environment Authority.

Discussions kicked off on the outcomes of the 56th session of the Subsidiary Bodies in relation to mitigation work programme, adaptation, technical assessment of global stocktake, Article 6, transparency, response measures and loss and damage.

Science set the context for the rest of the discussions around the IPCC 6th assessment report, role of meteorological offices in informing climate policies, and recent climate projections conducted for the Mashreq domain. In addition, a report was presented on Arab NDCs with focus on agriculture needs and adaptation actions reported by the region’s countries.

The second day started with an extensive session on the enhanced transparency framework (Article 13) which presented latest outcomes on the ETF and framed the transitioning requirements/needs. Participants discussed their capacity building needs for the first BTR, institutional arrangements and other concerns.

Other presentations and topics covered updates on impacts of response measures (linkages between trade and climate-related measures), technology (emphasizing the importance of technology-needs assessments), and gender issues (importance of gender focal points in negotiations).

Updates on the global goal on adaptation were presented and participants addresses their concerns regarding slow progress on this matter. The Arab States Climate Finance Access and Mobilization Strategy 2022–2030 was presented by ESCWA and LAS. The day concluded with a working paper on implementation of Paris agreement in the region with focus on adaptation, which has been requested by the Arab Group.

A study on net-zero carbon scenarios for energy sector in west Asia was presented followed by a case study on national long-term low carbon strategy. Participants discussed technology and financial resources needs to achieve net zero goals recognizing that each national context has its own needs.

The rest of the discussions revolved around expectations and preparedness for COP 27. Participants expressed their views on priority negotiations issues as well as capacity building needs and technical support in specific areas. It was agreed that more focused thematic training workshops need to be conducted post COP 27, such as on Article 6, response measures, climate finance, and adaptation.

Initiatives: Arab Centre for Climate Change Policies, RICCAR

Event details

Documents

Related news

ESCWA - Shared Prosperity Dignified Life
Our vision

ESCWA, an innovative catalyst for a stable, just and flourishing Arab region.

Our mission

Committed to the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA’s passionate team produces innovative knowledge, fosters regional consensus and delivers transformational policy advice. Together, we work for a sustainable future for all.

Get the latest updates from ESCWA direct to your inbox.
arrow-up icon
Feedback