Events

The 21st Partnership Meeting took place on the sidelines of the COP in Marrakech on 13 November 2016. Participants from various countries, think tanks and implementing organisations discussed two topics: guidance for accounting of (I)NDCs and MPGs for transparency of support.

In the working group on reporting and accounting, the participants underlined the need for guidance on technical information in order to understand the different (I)NDCs in the light of their individual national circumstances, but also to have a common set of requirements for (I)NDC reporting. The required information for successful implementation of and reporting on NDCs should reflect countries’ implementation experience on the domestic level. The group emphasised that the connection between the international negotiations and countries’ experience is of utmost importance. At the same time, the reporting should allow for tracking progress at national level over longer periods of time. Participants also stressed that reporting needs to be consistent over time, as well as across different accounting systems and methods.

The second working group discussed the aspect of guidance in order to facilitate a common understanding of support and the transparent reporting of support, and its usefulness for domestic purposes. Participants argued that the MPGs need to be improved over time to provide the best possible linkage between the different ETF elements and to other articles in the Paris Agreement. Aspects explicitly mentioned related to improved guidance on Biennial Update Reports (BURs), specific assistance to developing countries, and a clear linkage between support received and numbers reported. In this regard, the important role of capacity-building was stressed.

In addition, participants reflected on the Partnership’s future strategic focus. In line with the Paris Agreement it was decided to rename the Partnership to ‘International Partnership on Transparency’ in order to support countries preparations for the upcoming ETF. This also reflects the request by countries to include discussions on transparency of adaptation and of support in the Partnership’s activities. The participants confirmed the Partnership purpose as a unique forum for negotiators and practioners to discuss issues regarding transparency and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, the well-known formats and focus groups will be continued and thematically adjusted to match countries’ needs.

Synergies with the newly launched NDC Partnership will be explored and the practical experience of the IKI NDC Support Clusters exploited to support partnering countries in implementing their NDCs.