08 Dec. 2023

10:05h - 11:05h GST/UTC+4

Dubai , United Arab Emirates

Capacity-building Hub, Expo City

Capacity-building

UNFCCC

English

Organizer

This session is hosted by International Centre for Climate Change and Development.

Background

The issue of national capacity in the LDCs for accelerated climate action is a critical facet in the global pursuit of sustainable development and combating the challenges posed by climate change. LDCs, characterized by their vulnerabilities to environmental, economic, and social stresses, often face an uphill battle in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. While these countries contribute the least to global carbon emissions, they bear the brunt of climate-related consequences, amplifying the urgency for them to bolster their capacity to respond effectively. The overarching need here is twofold: enhancing these nations' abilities to address climate change and fostering a supportive environment that enables and sustains these efforts. 

The launch of a Capacity Building Program tailored specifically for LDCs signifies a pivotal step in the right direction. It aims to address the unique challenges these nations encounter in their pursuit of climate action. Such a program could encompass various elements, including knowledge transfer, technical assistance, financial support, and policy frameworks, fostering homegrown expertise and infrastructure essential for climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Capacity building initiatives often target various sectors, such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and education, recognizing the interwoven nature of these areas in combatting climate change and promoting sustainable development. 

The critical aspect of this initiative lies in its focus on empowering these nations to take ownership of their development trajectories. By fostering indigenous capacities, LDCs can develop context-specific solutions, steering away from one-size-fits-all approaches that might not effectively address their unique challenges. This also involves enhancing their abilities to access and effectively utilize available resources, be it technological, financial, or knowledge-based, creating a self-sustaining framework that ensures long-term resilience and progress. 

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexities involved in capacity building within LDCs. Challenges such as limited financial resources, technological gaps, governance issues, and social disparities often act as hurdles. Moreover, the ever-evolving nature of climate change necessitates adaptive and resilient strategies, demanding a continuous and dynamic approach to capacity building. Therefore, a successful program must be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs and circumstances of these countries. 

This initiative holds promise not only for the LDCs but also for the global community. Strengthening the climate action capacities of these countries not only contributes to their resilience but also impacts global efforts to combat climate change. As the impacts of climate change transcend borders, empowering the most vulnerable nations ensures a more robust collective response, aiding in the achievement of global climate goals set forth in international agreements like the Paris Agreement. In essence, the launch of a Capacity Building Program for LDCs signifies a commitment towards fostering self-reliance, innovation, and resilience in the face of climate change. By empowering these nations, not only are we addressing their vulnerabilities, but we are also fostering a more inclusive and effective global approach to tackling the pressing issue of climate change.

Objectives

• Assess and discuss the existing hurdles and challenges that hinder LDCs' ability to accelerate climate action. Highlight issues such as limited resources, technology access, and institutional capacity. 

• Present successful case studies or models where capacity building initiatives have effectively enhanced climate action in LDCs. Highlight what worked, the strategies employed, and the results achieved. 

• Introduce and outline a structured and actionable capacity building program specifically tailored for LDCs. Detail the program's components, target areas, and how it addresses the identified challenges 

• Facilitate discussions aimed at fostering partnerships between governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private sectors to support and invest in the capacity building program. Encourage commitments to ensure long-term sustainability. 

• Formulate and present a set of policy recommendations or guidelines for LDCs and the broader international community to prioritize and support capacity building efforts. These recommendations could cover financial assistance, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.

Structure

Key Outcomes

This session is expected to have the following outcomes:

• Identifying Barriers: Assess and discuss hurdles hindering LDCs' climate action, emphasizing resource limitations, technology access, and institutional capacity challenges. 

• Showcasing Successful Models: Present case studies where capacity building initiatives effectively enhanced climate action in LDCs, highlighting strategies, results, and best practices. 

• Structured Capacity Building Program: Introduce a tailored program addressing resource, technology, and capacity limitations, and facilitate partnerships among governments, NGOs, and private sectors to ensure sustainability.