UN I T E D N AT IONS

C L I MAT E C HAN GE

A N NUAL
REP O RT
20 22
 3

U N I TE D N AT IONS
C LI MAT E C HAN GE
A N N UA L R EPORT
2022

SCOPE OF THIS REPORT Creative Commons License

This report encompasses the key This publication is licensed under

achievements under the UNFCCC a Creative Commons Attribution-
intergovernmental process and NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
the activities of the secretariat in International License. Excerpts from this
2022, particularly the impacts of publication may be freely quoted and
those activities in support of the reproduced provided that (1) the source
Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and is acknowledged, (2) the material is
the Paris Agreement. not used for commercial purposes and
(3) any adaptations of the material are
distributed under the same license.
A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY
All images remain the sole property
In this publication, “UN Climate of their source and may not be used
Change” refers collectively to the for any purpose without written
United Nations Framework Convention permission of the source.
on Climate Change (UNFCCC or
Convention), the Kyoto Protocol and
the Paris Agreement, and their bodies,
institutional arrangements and organs,
including the secretariat.

© 2023 UNFCCC
Use and display of the UNFCCC logo,
United Nations Framework Convention including its emblem, is highly
on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol restricted and essentially limited
and the Paris Agreement to the organization’s activities. No
official emblem, flag or logo of the
All rights reserved. UNFCCC nor any of its other means of
promotion or publicity may be used
This publication is issued solely for to represent or imply an association
public information purposes, including or affiliation with the UNFCCC or
any references to the Convention, its secretariat without the UNFCCC
the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris secretariat’s prior written consent.
Agreement, and any relevant decisions
with respect thereto. No liability is ISBN: 978-92-9219-209-9
assumed for the accuracy or uses of
information provided. Cover image: © Storyteller via Canva.com
4

CO NT E N T S

FOREWORD BY THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL 6

MESSAGE FROM THE UN CLIMATE CHANGE

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 8

WE ARE
U N C L I M AT E CH ANG E  10

T H I RT Y Y E ARS OF T H E
U N FCCC14

T H E G LO B AL STOCKTAK E  17

R E D U CI N G E MI SSIONS,
E N HA N CI NG AMB I T ION 20

ST R E N GT HE NI NG
R E S I L I ENCE 25

P RO GR E S S T H ROU G H
T R A N S PA RE NCY30
 5

MO B I L I Z ING FI NANCE
A N D T E CH NOLOGY,
B U I L DI N G CAPACI T I E S 33

AC C O U N TABI L I T Y
A N D I N CLUSI VI T Y
WI T HI N AND BE YOND
T HE U N FCCC 36

T HE S E CR E TARI AT
A S CO N V ENE R 40

INCLUSIVE
AND IMPACTFUL
PARTNERSHIPS43

LOOKING AHEAD 46

FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE  49

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 52

6

FOR E WO RD BY T H E U N
SE C R E TARY - G E N E RA L
© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E /J A M E S D O WS O N

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL

This UN Climate Change annual to avoid the worst. In its latest

report comes as the world faces Assessment, the Intergovernmental
the most difficult global outlook in Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC,
decades. Geopolitical divisions are tells us that limiting the rise in global
straining international relations, and temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius
undermining trust. Many developing remains possible – if and only if we
counties are buried under a mountain take a quantum leap in climate action,
of debt. Conflicts rage and inequalities now. That requires the world to
of all kinds are widening. Amidst all work together.
this, the enormous threat of climate
change remains. At COP27 last November, I proposed
a Climate Solidarity Pact, in which all
The last year illustrated once again big emitters make extra efforts to cut
that the climate crisis is not a future emissions, and wealthier countries
possibility but a present reality. From mobilize financial and technical
floods in Pakistan, to wildfires in resources to support emerging
Europe, and drought in Africa, our economies. And recently, I have
changing climate is already affecting presented a plan to super-charge
millions of people around the world, efforts to achieve this through an
particularly those in vulnerable Acceleration Agenda. I urge all leaders
countries and communities who have to put both into effect.
done the very least to create the crisis.
The Acceleration Agenda includes
There is no question as to the cause: proposals for governments to bring
the science states unequivocally that forward their net zero deadlines, in
human activity is heating our planet. line with the principle of common
Concentrations of carbon dioxide are but differentiated responsibilities
their highest in at least two million and respective capabilities, in light
years and rising. Yet there is still time of different national circumstances.
 7

Specifically, it asks leaders of developed important step towards climate justice.

countries to commit to reaching net The fund must be operationalized at
zero as close as possible to 2040, and COP28 this year. This year will also
leaders in emerging economies to see the second replenishment of the
commit to do so as close as possible to Green Climate Fund, which I hope will
2050. It also asks all governments to be highly successful given its unique
prepare clear national energy transition role in providing targeted grants to
plans to accelerate the phasing out of developing countries.
fossil fuels, scaling up of renewable
energy and the decarbonization of high Multilateral Development Banks are
emitting sectors. critical to financing climate action.
They require urgent reform, so
Alongside governments, leaders in that they provide more grants and
business, finance, cities and regions also concessional loans and mobilize far
have a vital role to play in closing the more private finance at reasonable
emissions gap. Last year, I established cost to developing countries. We must
a High-Level Expert Group on net zero also push them to end their support
pledges, to develop a credible standard for fossil fuels, and to increase funding
on the pledges and actions taken by to renewables, adaptation, and loss
businesses, investors and others. Thanks and damage instead.
to this Group’s report, we now have a
UN-backed credibility standard for the It is already clear that the Global
first time, fully aligned with our goal of Stocktake, which will conclude at
limiting temperature increases to 1.5C. COP28, will show that we are still far
I urge all CEOs and those in positions from reaching the goals of the Paris
of corporate power to prepare credible, Agreement. Its outcome must push
comprehensive and detailed transition every government, every city and
plans that will result in real cuts to region, and every sector and business
emissions in line with this standard. I to accelerate climate action. COP28
know the UNFCCC will play a decisive will also launch the process to prepare
role in supporting their efforts, and the next cycle of national climate
particularly in ensuring that their actions plans – or Nationally Determined
are fully transparent. Contributions (NDCs) – due in 2025.
I have asked all G20 governments to
The Acceleration Agenda also urges make sure their plans are economy
action to deliver climate justice, which is wide, covering all sectors and include
both a moral imperative and a practical absolute emission cuts.
necessity. Developing countries must
have better access to finance, both I am grateful to the UNFCCC for its
public and private, to reduce emissions, vital work at this critical time. It is
adapt to climate change, and respond to the guardian of a key multilateral
loss and damage. Developed countries process in which every country has
must honour the finance commitments an equal voice; where civil society
they made in Copenhagen, Paris and representatives can safely defend
Glasgow. I am dismayed that the their views; and where businesses
promise to deliver $100billion a year can present their solutions. We are
in climate finance remains unfulfilled. now in the final fight to keep rising
I urge developed countries to deliver temperatures within the limit of 1.5
and to make much greater progress degrees Celsius, protect people from
towards parity between adaptation the worst social, economic and health
and mitigation finance, which remains impacts of climate change, and adapt
too far off, despite commitments our societies and economies to the
made at COP26. reality of a warmer future.

As this report shows, reaching We have the tools; we have the

agreement on the Loss and Damage timeline. We must rise above global
Fund was a key success of COP27 and an differences and deliver.
8

M E SSAG E F RO M T H E
UN C LI M AT E C H A N G E
E XE C UTI V E S E C RE TA RY
© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E /J A M E S D O WS O N

SIMON STIELL
E X E C U T I V E S E C R E TA R Y,
UN CLIMATE CHANGE

Welcome to the 2022 edition of our famines, and displacement and

UN Climate Change Annual Report. migration in some of the world’s most
vulnerable nations.
It was a privilege to be appointed
Executive Secretary of UN Climate This is deeply personal for me, but all
Change at the end of last year. of us globally are experiencing the
Leading the organization tasked with impacts first-hand, whether that be
addressing the climate emergency through disasters, displacement, food
is not something I take lightly. prices or health insecurity. In Grenada
For me, safeguarding our only we have experienced the destruction
home, protecting the world’s most caused by more frequent and intense
vulnerable people, and upholding our hurricanes and tropical storms and the
responsibility to future generations is intense economic shocks left behind
a duty I am pleased to play such an as debt burdens increase during the
active role in, acknowledging all those recovery period.
that dedicate their lives to this cause
and the global populations which are Our collective increasing insecurity is
increasingly rising to the challenge. why I am committed to doing things
differently here at UN Climate Change.
This is an urgent duty. We know the
world has already warmed by 1.1°C Looking back over the past year,
above pre-industrial levels. And we we have already started to move
are seeing the consequences of that beyond ‘business as usual’ and have
warming, with floods washing away many accomplishments to be proud
entire villages, wildfires devastating of as a result. Let me share just a
communities, droughts fuelling few examples.
 9

At the UN Climate Change to 1.5°C alignment; specific plans on

Conference (COP27), we saw a how each country will align every
worldwide momentum for the global element of national life to their
energy transition – witness the climate commitments.
exponential growth of renewables
over the past few years, which has We must also ramp up our focus on
surpassed all expectations. holding businesses and governments
to account. We need to see real
We also saw the historic commitments, backed by real action,
announcement of a loss and damage that get us to where the science
fund and funding arrangements, says we need to go. In other words,
something long needed to help the pledges must be in line with the
world’s most vulnerable nations deal UN Intergovernmental Panel on
with the impacts of the climate crisis. Climate Change scenarios, which limit
warming to 1.5°C.
More than USD 230 million were
pledged to the Adaptation Fund to Key to all of this is the global stocktake
help vulnerable communities around – a moment to take a hard look at the
the world adapt to climate change. state of our planet and chart out the
The fact that this was pledged course to a better future; one that is
by a mixture of states, regional aligned with the commitments we
governments and development made under the Paris Agreement.
agencies is instructive: this is At COP28, we need to assess where
something that none of us can do world stands on climate action
alone – we need state and non-state and support, identify the gaps, and
actors, coalitions, alliances, in every work together to agree on solutions
sector, all pushing towards meeting pathways (to 2030 and beyond).
the goals we have set on resilience
and adaptation, and ultimately As we look ahead to the coming year,
limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. we know that the challenges we face
in addressing climate change are
But there is still much more work becoming increasingly urgent. The
to be done. latest reports from the world's leading
climate scientists make it clear that
Bridging the huge gaps in each of we must act quickly and decisively to
our major work areas — mitigation, avoid the worst impacts of the climate
adaptation, loss and damage, and crisis. We know that the impacts of
finance — requires unprecedented the crisis are far greater at 2°C than at
collaboration and support at the 1.5°C. The window of opportunity is
highest levels. closing, but it is not yet closed.

We must deliver progress on these The road ahead will be challenging,

critical workstreams. but we are up for the task. We will
continue to push for bold action on
We need to see: further cuts in climate change, to build resilient
emissions across every sector; deeper communities, and to work towards a
collaboration to establish the pathway more just and equitable world.
WE ARE
UN CLIMATE
CHANGE

© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E /J A M E S D O WS O N
 11

The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate achievements, best practices,

Change) is the United Nations entity experiences and lessons learned.
tasked with supporting the global
response to the threat of climate Finance, technology and capacity-
change. It was established at the building: Supports the mobilization
Earth Conference in Rio de Janeiro of financial resources, international
in 1992, with the aim of creating cooperation on technology
a framework for international development and transfer and
cooperation, so that average global enhancing the ability to address
temperature rises – and the resulting climate change.
impacts – would be combatted.
Intergovernmental process: Provides
The Climate Change secretariat strategic and legal advice to Parties,
supports the United Nations including all aspects of the planning
Framework Convention on Climate and management of conferences,
Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the workshops and other events.
Paris Agreement. Its work has evolved
over time and increased considerably Mobilization and partnership for
in scope and complexity. More than action: Promotes and accelerates

C H A N G E
20 years of progress have resulted in climate action at all levels, including
a mature institutional architecture to among Parties, UN, regional and local
support emission reductions, increase authorities, civil society, business and
resilience, enhance assistance for the financial sector.
developing countries, and promote

C L I M A T E
and disseminate information on The secretariat is constantly
climate action. looking to streamline its processes,
empower its staff and build a robust,
The secretariat’s work is focused on nimble organisation that supports
the following areas: stakeholders around the world in
delivering effective climate action.

U N
Mitigation: Supports Parties
in facilitating, catalysing and Restructuring in recent years has

A R E
cooperating on the implementation made the secretariat more fit-
of ambitious climate action in for-purpose: more responsive,
line with global efforts to limit proactive and agile in delivering

W E
temperature increases. on its mandate. It also led to
improved internal communications,
Adaptation: Assists Parties in their information-sharing and knowledge
adaptation efforts including on management, and enhanced
national planning and managing internal mobility within the
vulnerability, and supports work in secretariat to break organizational
the loss and damage workstream. silos. The structure aims at cost-
effectiveness and seamless
Transparency: Helps build mutual coordination of operational and
trust and confidence among Parties administrative functions, building
by showcasing their climate targets, on internal collaboration across
action and progress, and sharing multiple areas of expertise.
12

UNFCCC ORGANIGRAMME

Executive Secretary

Deputy Executive Secretary

(including Organizational Development and Oversight)

Operations
Programmes (including Resource Mobilization
and Partnerships)

Adaptation Mitigation Mol Transparency Legal Affairs Conference Administrative

Affairs Services
(AS/HR/ICT)

ISCP (Cross-cutting)

C&E (Cross-cutting)
C H A N G E

Abbreviations
AS Administrative Services ICT Information and Communication Technology C&E Communications and Engagement
ISCP Intergovernmental Support HR Human Resources Mol Means of Implementation
and Collective Progress
C L I M A T E

WHO WE ARE
U N

3 96 14 0 43
A R E

Staff Consultants Interns

on all types
of contracts
W E

56% Women 44% Men

50% Women Leadership (Director-level and above) 50% Men

38% non-Annex I 62% Annex I

35% General Ser vice 65% Professionals

39% Core funded 61% Non-core funded

 13
© UN CLIMATE CHANGE /KIARA WORTH

C H A N G E
C L I M A T E
U N
The secretariat has around 400 and combatting climate change.

A R E
diverse, talented and committed To achieve this goal, we will
staff working in Bonn, Germany continue to:
and the regional collaboration

W E
centres around the world. Our staff • Attract, recruit and retain experts;
are committed to the party-driven
mandates as the secretariat of • Provide opportunities for
UNFCCC, convening party and non- career growth and professional
party stakeholders to facilitate the development;
Paris Agreement goals.
• Enable a staff-centered approach
Our staff strive to embody the to cultivate strong emotional and
UN Charter and values, and as an physical well-being;
organization we are committed
to providing a safe and inclusive • Create a culture that encourages
workplace. We embrace innovation and enables staff creativity
and have adopted new ways of and innovation;
working that prioritize staff well-being.
• Achieve excellence in leadership;
As we look ahead, we aim to attract
and expand our diverse workforce • Continue to build a diverse,
by finding extraordinary talent inclusive workforce in a
who are committed to our values dynamic workplace.
THIRT Y YEARS
OF THE UNFCCC

© U N CLI MATE CHA N GE

 15

2022 was the 30th anniversary develop sustainably. The Convention

of the UN Framework Convention is the foundational treaty that has
on Climate Change (UNFCCC), underpinned all international climate
which established an international negotiations in the past thirty years,
treaty to combat human-caused with its importance underlined by the
climate change. fact that there are now 198 Parties to
the Convention.
Its ultimate goal is the “stabilization
of greenhouse gas concentrations in Parties to the UNFCCC meet at the
the atmosphere at a level that would annual session of the Conference of
prevent dangerous anthropogenic the Parties (COP), the leading global
interference with the climate system” climate summit, where governments,
within a timeframe that allows people NGOs, the private sector and
and planet to adapt and economies to environmental groups gather.

The three Rio Conventions

U N F C C C
At a landmark environmental conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, three conventions were set
up: one on biodiversity (Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD), one on desertification (United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD) and one on climate change (UNFCCC).
Each of these conventions has a Conference of the Parties, or COP. UNFCCC COPs meet annually,
while CBD and UNCCD COPs meet every two years.

T H E
O F
What have been the key COP the world’s nations – it has been
moments? While every UNFCCC COP ratified by 195 states – supported the

Y E A R S
of the past thirty years has been common goal of cutting emissions.
important, there are two that stand
out: COP3 in Kyoto in 1997 and COP21 The goal of the agreement is to hold
in Paris in 2015. “the increase in the global average

T H I R T Y
temperature to well below 2°C above
In 1995, countries launched pre-industrial levels” and to pursue
negotiations to strengthen the global efforts “to limit the temperature
response to climate change and, increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
two years later adopted the Kyoto levels.” It also commits countries to
Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol, for the communicate the actions they will
first time, legally bound industrialized take to reduce their greenhouse gas
countries and economies in transition emissions in order to reach the goals
to emission reduction targets, with of the Paris Agreement – known as
the aim of lowering the amount Nationally Determined Contributions
of greenhouse gases released into (NDCs) – and to report on progress,
the atmosphere compared to a which is reviewed periodically.
1990 baseline. It was the first major
global effort to slow climate change Progress towards achieving the Paris
and is an important symbol of Agreement's goals will be assessed at
multilateralism. COP28 in 2023, with the conclusion
of the first global stocktake. COP28
The Paris Agreement – signed in will be a key moment to identify
2015 – was a crucial milestone as opportunities to step up climate
it was the first time that almost all action in this critical decade.
16

What was achieved at COP27?

COP27 closed with a breakthrough agreement to establish a loss and damage fund and funding
arrangements for vulnerable countries hit hard by floods, droughts and other climate disasters.
This was the first time that countries recognized the need for finance to respond to loss and
damage associated with the catastrophic effects of climate change and agreed to the establishing
of a fund and the necessary funding arrangements.

Parties also reaffirmed their commitment to holding the increase in global temperature rise to 2°C
above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. In other
words, we must reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases to get us to where science
says we need to be by 2030. In line with that, a mitigation work programme was established in
Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed at urgently scaling up mitigation ambition and implementation. The work
programme will continue until 2026 when there will be a review to consider its extension.

COP27 also saw a focus on the accountability of sectors, cities and regions, businesses and
institutions, with the launch of a report by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Expert Group
on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. UN Climate Change was
U N F C C C

tasked by the Secretary-General to develop a plan for ensuring climate action transparency and
accountability among non-state actors.
T H E
O F
Y E A R S
T H I R T Y

© UN C L I MAT E C HA NG E / K IA RA WO RTH
THE GLOBAL
STOCKTAKE

© FA H RON I VI A CA N VA .COM
 18

The global stocktake (GST), launched and means of implementation and

at COP26, is a process that takes support (climate finance, technology
stock of the implementation of transfer, and capacity building) as
the Paris Agreement and assesses well as elements of loss and damage
collective progress towards achieving and response measures.
its long-term goals. It is a critical part
of both speeding up implementation The outputs of each stocktake –
of the Paris Agreement and creating which is envisioned to be a set of
more ambitious climate action. The policy-relevant recommendations
first stocktake will conclude at COP28 – will then help countries update
in late 2023. their NDCs as well as other climate
action plans such as the NAPs, with
The global stocktake is an opportunity the intention that each update is
to up climate ambition and action grounded in the best-available
in a comprehensive manner: one science and will be more ambitious
that factors in mitigation, adaptation than previous ones.

T E CH N ICAL DI ALOG U E S
S T O C K T A K E

In 2022, all stakeholders were invited prepared a synthesis report with the
to contribute to the GST themes assistance of the secretariat.
and process, taking into account
the guiding questions issued by The Bonn Climate Change Conference
the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies. in June 2022 saw the GST’s first
G L O B A L

These contributions were used as a technical dialogue – a core activity of

basis to prepare the sessions of the the two-year stocktake process that
technical dialogues. engages country representatives,
climate change experts, and civil
The technical assessment society actors in a series of roundtable
T H E

component of the GST includes a dialogues and workshops. The second

technical dialogue for the expert technical dialogue took place during
consideration of inputs through an the first week of COP27 with the
exchange of views, information third, and final, technical dialogue to
and ideas. Two co-facilitators be held in mid-2023.
 19

TIMELINE OF THE FIRST GLOBAL STOCKTAKE

2021 2022 2023

May-June COP26/ COP27/ COP28/

SB56 SB58
Sessions CMA3 CMA4 CMA5

Update sources of
information
1 Information collection and preparation

Information Technical Consideration

Collection assessment of output
and Preparation guiding questions guiding questions
guiding questions

Synthesis reports

webinars webinars

Call for Submission

S T O C K T A K E
inputs of inputs 2 Technical Assessment
Synthesis
Technical Technical Technical report
Mitigation dialogue 1 dialogue 2 dialogue 3
Adaptation
Means of
Implementation Joint Joint Joint Joint
contact contact contact contact
Considering group 1 group 2 group 3 group 4
relevant efforts on
Response measures

G L O B A L
and loss and
damage

3
IPCC Assessment IPCC High level
Report 6 Assessment event(s)
Consideration
Working Group I Report 6
of outputs
Synthesis

T H E
(August 2021)
Report
Working Group II (March 2023)
(February 2022)
Decision/
declaration
Working Group III
(March 2022)

In the light of equity and the best available science

REDUCING
EMISSIONS,
ENHANCING
AMBITION

© PEXELS
 21

Enhancing ambition is at the heart fraction of a degree matters, as

of the UNFCCC process, and involves even small temperature rises will
working with Parties to develop result in ever more catastrophic
stronger and more ambitious climate impacts. The science is clear: the
plans, as well as ensuring countries Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
around the world have the tools and Change (IPCC) has confirmed that
knowledge to rapidly cut emissions. keeping the temperature rises to
Ultimately, global emissions need to 1.5°C rather than 2°C will result in
be halved by 2030 in order to ensure a ten million fewer people losing their
safe, resilient and sustainable world. homes due to rising sea levels.

Keeping global temperatures “well While 1.5°C is still achievable, it will

below 2°C above preindustrial levels require – in the words of the UN
and pursuing efforts to limit the Secretary-General – a “quantum
temperature increase to 1.5°C above leap in climate action.” This will

A M B I T I O N
pre-industrial levels,” is a central aim entail countries strengthening their
of the Paris Agreement. Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) – essentially their climate
Given we are currently 1.1°C above commitments – so as to close to gap
pre-industrial levels of warming, between where current emission
and in the midst of an ever- reduction ambition is and where it

E N H A N C I N G
worsening climate crisis, every needs to be by 2030.

A S S ES S I N G TH E
IM PACT S OF CLI MATE

E M I S S I O N S ,
CO MMI T M E NT S
At COP26, Parties requested the 2030 compared to 2010 levels, that was
secretariat to annually update an improvement over the 2021 report
the NDC Synthesis Report which which estimated emissions increasing
synthesizes countries’ climate 13.7 per cent by the end of the decade
commitments. The 2022 edition

R E D U C I N G
synthesized information from the 166 The first synthesis of the Long-Term
latest available NDCs, commitments Low Emission Development Strategy
communicated to the UNFCCC by (LT-LEDS) was published in October.
September 2022, representing 193 The report synthesizes information
Parties to the Paris Agreement, contained in 53 of the latest
covering 94.9 per cent of the total available long-term low-emission
global emissions in 2019. development strategies, representing
62 Parties to the Paris Agreement.
It showed that countries’ combined The report highlights long-term
climate emission reduction pledges low-emission development
would put the world on track for pathways priorities, including just
temperature rises of between 2.1- transitions; long-term mitigation
2.9°C by the end of the century and goals such as net-zero emissions,
current pledges would see the world mitigation measures, adaptation,
overshoot 1.5°C by around 2030. finance, technology development
and transfer, capacity-building and
While current commitments will international cooperation, planning
increase emissions by 10.6 per cent by and implementation.
 22

As part of the Response Measures In 2022, policy recommendations

work, the secretariat assesses the for Parties to facilitate just transition
socio-economic effects of mitigation and economic diversification
policies, programmes and actions. were adopted.

SCA L I N G U P
MI T IGAT ION ACTION
At COP27, Parties agreed on the NDCs and LT-LEDS, and exchange
elements to operationalize the Sharm information on green finance sources
el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and and international support.
A M B I T I O N

Implementation Work Programme

to urgently scale up mitigation The Global Innovation Hub, launched
ambition and implementation in in November 2021, aims to promote
this critical decade in a manner that transformative innovations for a
complements the global stocktake. low-emission and climate-resilient
future through exchange of ideas
E N H A N C I N G

The first high-level ministerial round and designing climate solutions. At

table (HLMRT) on pre-2030 ambition COP27, the Hub hosted a pavilion and
was convened at COP27, providing highlighted innovative approaches to
an opportunity to set the global tackle climate change, notably in the
direction on pre-2030 mitigation areas of energy, food and buildings,
ambition and implementation. where proven technologies exist to
alleviate the climate crisis.
The secretariat and its Regional
E M I S S I O N S ,

Collaboration Centres (RCCs) – The secretariat facilitated the

in collaboration with the NDC operations of the Clean Development
Partnership – organized the Regional Mechanism. Ensuring the accurate
Exchanges on Long-term Climate accounting of the CDM’s issuance,
Ambition and Implementation during holding and acquisition of certified
the 2022 Regional Climate Weeks emission reductions was critical
in the Middle East and North Africa, to the work of the secretariat. As
Latin America and the Caribbean, a result, there was a 49 per cent
R E D U C I N G

and Africa. The Exchanges provided increase in the issuance of certified

a platform for stakeholders from all emission reductions for 2022
regions to share best practices on LT- compared with 2021 (150 million
LEDS design and development, reflect versus 101 million), the highest
on their experiences in connecting number issued since 2013.

CO O P ER ATI VE
A P P ROACH E S
The three approaches contained and adaptation actions and to
in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement promote sustainable development
provide Parties with routes “to and environmental integrity."
pursue voluntary cooperation in the
implementation of their nationally Decisions at COP27 helped
determined contributions to allow for accelerate action related to the
higher ambition in their mitigation operationalization of Article 6
 23

enabling countries to collaborate, in elaborating all areas of guidance,

monitor and report their emission including reporting outlines and
reduction activities. This is important tables, digital infrastructure and the
because the need and relevance technical expert review process.
of Article 6 approaches for NDC
implementation has doubled, The Supervisory Body for the Article
with the number of countries 6.4 mechanism launched its work in
indicating they plan to use voluntary July 2022 and focused on putting in
cooperation increasing from 46 place the institutional foundations
per cent to 85 per cent in new and for operationalizing the Article 6.4
updated NDCs. mechanism. The mechanism is
designed to incentivize investment in
Concerning Article 6.2 on cooperative mitigation activities across the world, in
approaches, Parties – with support multiple sectors and technologies, such
from the secretariat and various as energy efficiency and transport.

A M B I T I O N
institutional partners – made progress

Regional momentum

E N H A N C I N G
The Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs) spread the benefits of the CDM and spur investment in
sustainable development. Since the Paris Agreement, the RCCs also support countries with their
obligations under the Convention and the Paris Agreement.

In 2022, the RCCs supported the organization of more than 100 events to advance collaboration on
NDCs, LT-LEDS, climate finance, carbon markets and Article 6, youth engagement, transparency and
adaptation. The RCC Annual Report 2022 features a list of deliverables and engagement by the Centres.

E M I S S I O N S ,
The six RCCs:

RCC for Western and Francophone Africa RCC for the Middle East,
Lomé, Togo (in partnership with the North Africa and South Asia
West African Development Bank) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(in partnership with the World

R E D U C I N G
Green Economy Organization)

RCC for Latin America

Panama (in partnership
with UNEP)

RCC for the Asia Pacific

RCC for the Caribbean Bangkok, Thailand
St. George’s, Grenada
(in partnership with the RCC for Eastern and Southern Africa
Windward Islands Research Kampala, Uganda (in partnership
and Education Foundation) with the East African Development Bank)
 24

With regards to Article 6.8 on non- for a future web-based platform. This
market-based approaches, at COP will connect participating Parties,
27 Parties adopted a schedule for so they can identify, develop and
implementing the work programme of implement non-market approaches
activities and defined functionalities and record and exchange information.

R E S E A RC H AND
SYS T EMIC OBSE RVATION
Science is at the heart of the UNFCCC year also saw the SBSTA-IPCC special
process. All actions taken under event: Unpacking the new scientific
A M B I T I O N

the UNFCCC process are based knowledge and key findings in the
on the best available science: the Working Group II contribution to the
latest research and observations Sixth Assessment Report: Impacts,
from organisations such as the Adaptation and Vulnerability. Last
IPCC and the World Meteorological year also saw the 14th meeting of the
Organisation (WMO). Parties to the research dialogue at SB56, and the
E N H A N C I N G

Paris Agreement use this science to publication of the 2022 Global Climate
inform their own climate action plans Observing System Implementation
such as their NDCs and their National Plan at the GCOS Conference in
Adaptation Plans. October. COP27 featured Earth
Information Day, which highlighted
There were a number of highlights the state of the global climate system
throughout 2022, including the IPCC and developments in systematic
Working Group II contribution to observation between the scientific
E M I S S I O N S ,

the Sixth Assessment Report. The community and parties and observers.
R E D U C I N G

© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E / K I A R A W O R T H
STRENGTHENING
RESILIENCE

© GET T Y IMAGES
 26

The impacts of climate change are Agreement, aims to enhance

increasingly being felt around the adaptive capacity, strengthen
world and adapting to these changes resilience and reduce vulnerability
is necessary to protect millions of to climate change through increased
homes and livelihoods from extreme awareness and funding.
weather, droughts and floods.
At COP27, delegates agreed to
The Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh Work develop a framework for the global
Programme on the global goal on goal during 2023, with the aim that
adaptation (GGA), had a productive this is adopted by Parties to the Paris
first year, with four workshops, Agreement at COP28. This was an
multiple submissions and reports, unexpected breakthrough and has
and negotiations bringing together brought new energy into the work
a range of Parties and observers. programme towards achieving an
The GGA, established in the Paris ambitious outcome in 2023.

A S S ES S I N G ADAPTAT ION
R E S I L I E N C E

E F FO RT S
The Synthesis Report on the state of plans to pursue long-term low-
adaptation efforts, experiences and emission pathways.
priorities, prepared by the secretariat
for the global stocktake, presented an The secretariat also continued
S T R E N G T H E N I N G

analysis of how the actions countries supporting the work of the

are prioritizing to respond to various Adaptation Committee (AC) in
climate change-induced hazards line with its aspiration to become
compare to those actions highlighted or the leading voice of adaptation
recommended in the scientific literature. under the Convention. One of
the AC’s deliverables was the
Other reports synthesized information draft supplementary guidance for
from all long-term low-emission adaptation communications for
development strategies (LT-LEDS) voluntary use by Parties. It aims
containing adaptation information, to help Parties to enhance the
which shed light on how adaptation quality and reduce duplication of
is being considered in countries’ adaptation information.
© U N D P/S I LK E VO N B ROC K HAUS EN
 27

CA PACI T Y - BUI L DI NG
FO R A DA P TAT ION
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) The Least Developed Countries Expert
process prompts countries to examine Group (LEG) provides support to the least
their current and future climate risks and developed countries (LDCs) to move towards
impacts, assess their vulnerability to them, successful adaptation, by helping them to
and embed them in their development initiate and submit project proposals to
planning. The secretariat supports countries the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other
directly through UN4NAPs, an initiative it sources of funding to implement adaptation
leads through which it receives requests priorities associated with their NAPs.
for information and technical support
from countries and coordinates responses In 2022, the group organised support
by drawing on expertise throughout activities, including project proposal
the UN system. writing workshops. Of the 46 LDCs, 38
produced 51 project ideas that were
In 2022, the initiative received around then further developed. Two project

R E S I L I E N C E
70 requests for technical assistance from ideas have been successfully submitted
countries and channelled them to relevant for funding to the GCF, and more will be
UN4NAPs partner organizations. submitted this year.

A DVA N C I NG TH E

S T R E N G T H E N I N G
K N OW L E D G E B ASE
The Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) was technical guidelines focusing on
set up to provide all Parties – particularly biodiversity and climate change adaptation;
developing countries – support to empower co-developed a policy brief with
all stakeholders with the knowledge to recommendations for scaling up innovative
implement and scale up action, while also approaches related to oceans; and gathered
addressing adaptation knowledge gaps. inputs on critical knowledge gaps that
hinder the scaling up of adaptation action
The NWP’s various expert groups co- in agriculture and food security and how to
published a supplement to the NAP address them.

E N GAGI N G LOCAL
CO MMU N ITI E S AND
IN DIGE N O US PE OPLE S
The Local Communities and Indigenous of local communities and indigenous
Peoples Platform (LCIPP) and the work peoples related to addressing and
of the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) responding to climate change and
are important elements in increasing enhance the engagement of local
resilience. They aim to strengthen the communities and indigenous peoples
knowledge, technologies and efforts in the UNFCCC process.
 28

LCIPP’s first-ever regional gathering sociocultural regions of Asia

took place in N’Djamena, Chad, and Africa, as well as representatives
bringing together representatives from country Parties and
from the UN indigenous UN agencies.

E N HA N CI NG RE SI LI E NCE
O N L A N D AND AT SE A
The Climate Resilience Food Systems systems and areas where the Alliance
(CRFS) Alliance was borne out of could support.
the UN Food Systems Summit in
2021, and UN Climate Change took The Ocean and Climate Change
up the role of lead coordinator for Dialogue, held in June, an annual
the Alliance in December 2021. The event focused on strengthening
Alliance comprises of 13 Core Group and integrating national ocean
R E S I L I E N C E

members, 27 Leadership Group climate action under the Paris

members, and 15 countries which Agreement, enables ocean climate
officially support the Alliance. solutions and improves institutional
connections. The secretariat
The Alliance evaluated the NAPs, supported preparations for the
NDCs, National Food Systems interactive dialogues at the UN
Pathways and other relevant national Ocean Conference, and worked with
strategies and policies of Belize, the Ocean and Climate Platform on
S T R E N G T H E N I N G

Ethiopia, Fiji and The Gambia, a joint event on translating science

outlining priorities, gaps and needs into ocean-based action on climate
in achieving climate resilience in food change to 'blue' the Paris Agreement.

Pathways to resilience

The Resilience Frontiers Initiative aims to accelerate

innovation and energy transition through eight
pathways. The Initiative made significant progress in
2022, transitioning from the visioning phase into its
road-mapping phase in which transformative actions
will be revealed.

The Resilience Frontiers team worked with

stakeholders to refine the Resilience Frontiers
storylines during the Second Brainstorming
meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana, during the
Global Adaptation Week in August. The storylines
refer to the narratives that explain the desirable
futures the pathways have been designed to create
and the undesirable futures Resilience Frontiers
© U N F C C C / YO U S S E F R A M Z Y

seeks to avoid.
 29

LOSS A N D DAMAGE
COP27 saw a landmark decision developed a rolling workplan for
to establish a new fund and 2023–2027 as well as Plans of action
funding arrangements for assisting for its Task Force on Displacement
developing countries that are and Technical Expert Group on
particularly vulnerable to the effects Comprehensive Risk Management.
of climate change in responding to These plans set out how the Executive
loss and damage. Committee will gather expertise and
resources and identify the kind of
A transitional committee is technical guides and products needed
meeting during 2023 to make to support developing countries'
recommendations on how to efforts on loss and damage.
operationalize both the new funding
arrangements and the fund for COP27 adopted the terms of reference
consideration and adoption at COP28. for the Santiago Network on loss and
damage, which aims to accelerate
The Warsaw International Mechanism technical assistance, and established

R E S I L I E N C E
for Loss and Damage (WIM) an Advisory Board.

What is loss and damage?

Loss and damage refers to the consequences of climate change that are not addressed through
planned adaptation, such as the loss of coastal homes due to sea level rises or extreme flooding.

S T R E N G T H E N I N G
Current climate finance focuses on planned adaptation and equips communities with tools and
strategies to reduce the risks of climate change – such as the building of sea walls, or switching
to drought-resistant crops. Action to address loss and damage helps communities after they have
already experienced the effects of climate change.

COP27/CMA4 decided to establish a fund and funding arrangements. Countries now need to
work towards deciding what form the fund will take, who will benefit from it, and where the
money will come from.
PROGRESS
THROUGH
TRANSPARENCY

© PEXELS
 31

Regular and transparent reporting information on climate action and

by countries of their climate action support is critical to demonstrating
provides a snapshot of global progress, accountability, and
progress towards the Convention, transparency on the journey to
the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris keeping 1.5°C alive.
Agreement goals and ensures there is
a level of transparency in the process. COP27 saw the full operationalization
of Article 15 of the Paris Agreement and
Timely submission of information the establishment of a committee to
by Parties and the technical review facilitate implementation and promote
and analysis and the multilateral compliance with the provisions
consideration process help build of the Paris Agreement through a
mutual trust and confidence among transparent approach. The rules of
countries and ensures a better procedure adopted at COP27 ensure
understanding of current climate the committee’s proper functioning,
action and the levels of support and fairness and transparency in its
needed. The availability of quality engagement with Parties.

T R A N S P A R E N C Y
R E P O RT I NG , RE VI E WS
A N D MU LTI L AT E RAL
CO N S I D E RAT ION OF
N AT IO N A L RE PORT S

T H R O U G H
A total of 143 national reports were that successfully reduced emissions,
received from Parties in 2022: 37 as well as capacity-building needs and
national communications (NCs), 18 initiatives to enhance their reporting.
biennial reports (BRs), 25 common

P R O G R E S S
tabular format tables, 44 GHG The technical review and analysis
inventories and 19 biennial update process engages experts nominated
reports (BURs). by Parties and intergovernmental
organizations, who undergo a
The secretariat supported the training and certification process. In
technical reviews and analyses of 68 2022, four rounds of different training
national reports, including 38 national programmes for expert reviews under
GHG inventory reports, 24 BURs (4 the Convention and Kyoto Protocol
contained technical annexes with were organized. In addition, the
REDD+ results) and 6 REDD+ forest secretariat initiated the development
reference emission level submissions. of the training programme for the
A total of 289 experts participated technical expert reviews under the
in reviews and analyses. 2022 also Paris Agreement.
marked the conclusion of the review
process under the Kyoto Protocol of The secretariat launched the
annual GHG inventory submissions development of new reporting
for the second commitment period. tools for the electronic reporting
of the common reporting tables
In addition, the multilateral and common tabular formats
consideration of national reports under the ETF. These tools will be
and review reports were conducted used by Parties to report on GHG
through facilitative sharing of views emissions, NDC progress and finance,
(FSV) workshops under the SBI, where technology and capacity-building
Parties also highlighted climate action activities under the ETF.
 32

S U P P O RT TO RE P ORT I NG
BY D E V E LOPI NG
C O U N T RY PARTI E S
The secretariat supports the countries on tracking the progress
Consultative Group of Experts of NDCs under the ETF.
(CGE), an expert group under
the Convention and the Paris The secretariat supported 19
Agreement that provides technical developing countries to set up
assistance to developing countries sustainable national GHG inventory
on measurement, reporting and management systems and implement
verification (MRV) arrangements the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. It also
and the ETF. The CGE’s work resulted organized training courses on MRV
in an updated capacity-building and ETF through the UNFCCC Climate
T R A N S P A R E N C Y

needs assessment and training Action and Support Transparency

134 experts from 90 developing Training (UNFCCC CASTT).
T H R O U G H
P R O G R E S S

© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E / K I A R A W O R T H
MOBILIZING
FINANCE AND
TECHNOLOGY,
BUILDING
CAPACITIES

© GET T Y IMAGES
 34

The secretariat supports Parties in the of capacity-building arrangements

implementation of the Convention, and processes. Mobilizing finance and
the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto technology and building capacities
Protocol. This includes enhancing through national, regional and
climate finance architecture, international collaboration is critical
international cooperation on climate so that Parties can mitigate against
technology and the implementation and adapt to climate change.
C A P A C I T I E S

C L I MAT E FI NANCE
Climate finance refers to local, • the work on the definitions of
national or transnational financing climate finance;
– drawn from public, private and
alternative sources of financing – • the work (a synthesis of views
B U I L D I N G

that seeks to support mitigation and and mapping of information)

adaptation actions that addresses on making finance flows
climate change. consistent with a pathway
towards low GHG emissions and
COP27 created a pathway to align climate-resilient development
the broader finance flows towards (relating to Article 2, paragraph
T E C H N O L O G Y ,

low emissions and climate-resilient 1(c) of the Paris Agreement).

development and launched the
Sharm el-Sheikh dialogue to explore The Needs Based Finance project
how targeted finance flows to (NBF), which is active in 12
mitigation and adaptation efforts regions and 90 countries, hosted
can contribute to sustainable two public-private sector policy
development and poverty eradication. dialogues between negotiators
and private finance sector
The secretariat facilitated the representatives in 2022. Six Climate
A N D

initiation of three years of ad hoc Finance Access and Mobilization

work programme (2022-2024) on Strategies were endorsed and
the New Collective Quantified Goals published as a result of seven
F I N A N C E

(NCQG) with the organization of four Regional Strategy workshops

technical expert dialogues to inform and webinars.
the political deliberations at the
first high level ministerial dialogue The NBF delivered three regional
(HLMD) convened at Sharm el-Sheikh. training workshops on Climate
M O B I L I Z I N G

Finance Access and Mobilization.

The UNFCCC Standing Committee on The first workshop, co-hosted
Finance delivered on its mandate to by the Government of Maldives,
produce four key reports: focused on the Island States of
the Indian Ocean. This training
• the Fifth Biennial Assessment brought together for the first
and Overview of Climate Finance time representatives of the Global
Flows; Environment Facility (GEF), the
Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the
• a report on progress toward Adaptation Fund, together with
achieving the goal of mobilizing bilateral and UN agencies,
jointly USD 100 billion per year by in an effort to support countries in
2020 through to 2025; mobilizing and accessing finance
for regional priorities.
 35

E N A B L I N G T H ROU G H
TECH N O LOGY
Technology plays a key role in Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on
addressing climate change. The strengthening ocean and coastal
secretariat supports technology adaptation to enhance the resilience
development and transfer to help of coastal and ocean-dependent

C A P A C I T I E S
developing countries accelerate their communities. A technical analysis,
climate action. which provides policy options,
opportunities and challenges for
The secretariat organised and policymakers on the development,
participated in a range of events diffusion and impacts of advanced
aimed at promoting climate action decarbonization technologies
innovation and collaboration. for sustainable road mobility
These included the G-STIC Dubai was conducted.

B U I L D I N G
in collaboration with YOUNGO; the
ARC Festival; and a Technology A new joint work programme of the
Mechanism side event at COP27. Technology Mechanism for 2023-
2027 was launched at COP27 in an
The secretariat supported the work of effort to accelerate the deployment
the Technology Executive Committee of climate technologies. It outlines

T E C H N O L O G Y ,
(TEC) on developing policy options for common areas of work for the
innovative approaches for mitigation Technology Executive Committee
and adaptation technologies. This and the Climate Technology Centre
included collaboration between the & Network and is focused on
TEC, the Nairobi Work Programme high-potential sectors and high-
and the International Union for impact actions.

A N D
C A PACI T Y - BUI L DI NG

F I N A N C E
In 2022, the secretariat supported PCCB’s Fourth Capacity-building
capacity-building efforts targeting Hub at COP27 brought together
stakeholder groups as reflected 56 partners and 3,500 participants
throughout this report. across 48 sessions that showcased
various capacity-building tools
M O B I L I Z I N G

The secretariat assisted Parties in their and approaches.

negotiations on this matter at SB56 and
COP27, and continued to support the The PCCB Network – which is
Paris Committee on Capacity-building coordinated by the secretariat
(PCCB) and the implementation of its on behalf of the PCCB – held 14
workplan. Preparing the PCCB Toolkit activities in 2022, strengthening
to assess capacity gaps and needs to collaboration across institutions,
implement the Paris Agreement, and sectors and regions through more
the publication of a technical paper on than 300 member organizations
enhancing the ownership of developing from more than 80 countries.
countries of building and maintaining
capacity for climate action were
highlights of 2022.
ACCOUNTABILIT Y
AND
INCLUSIVIT Y
WITHIN
AND BEYOND
THE U NFCCC

© U N CLI MATE CHA N GE /KI A RA WORTH

 37

Accountability is a core component of commitments is a UN Climate

of the UNFCCC process, and its Change priority for 2023. Inclusivity
particularly important as part of is also vital, as only a whole-
this new era of implementation. of-society approach to climate
This is as true for businesses, governance and action will be
investors, cities and regions and sufficient to effectively address the
civil society organizations as it is complex and intersecting challenges

U N F C C C
for countries, and the transparency posed by climate change.

E N HA N CI NG

T H E
ACCO U N TA BI L I T Y

B E Y O N D
O F N O N - PART Y
STA K E H O LD E RS

A N D
The High-Level Expert Group The Global Climate Action Portal (GCAP),
on the Net-Zero Emissions originally known as the Non-state Actor
Commitments of Non-State Zone for Climate Action (NAZCA), is a

W I T H I N
Entities, established under the UN web portal launched in 2014. The portal
Secretary-General, published a report showcases climate commitments taking
which provides ten recommendations place around the world, across all
to bring integrity, transparency and sectors of society. As of October 2022,
accountability to net-zero pledges. The it registered 30,764 climate actors, an

I N C L U S I V I T Y
secretariat is responsible for ensuring increase of more than 38 per cent from
greater accountability of net zero what was reported in November 2021.
pledges through its Global Climate There was also a jump of nearly 90 per
Action Portal and will work to scale cent in the number of companies taking
up the Portal’s work in 2023 in light of climate action. The largest increase was
the High-Level Expert Group’s findings. in the Asia-Pacific region (78 per cent),
followed by Africa (67 per cent).

Enhancing collaboration A N D
A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y

The Marrakech Partnership has supported the implementation of the Paris Agreement since 2016
by enabling collaboration between governments and cities, regions, businesses and investors, all
of whom must act on climate change.

Established in Paris at COP21, the High-Level Champions connect governments with the many
voluntary actions taken by cities, regions, businesses and investors. The Champions lead a range
of initiatives including:

• Race to Zero: a global campaign rallying non-Party stakeholders to take immediate action to
halve global emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

• Race to Resilience: Launched in December 2020, Race to Resilience is a global campaign that
aims to raise global ambition and accelerate non-Party stakeholders’ action for climate resilience.

• The 2030 Breakthroughs: Launched in 2021, the Breakthroughs identify specific tipping
points in each Climate Action Pathway sector and highlight what key actors must do, and by
when, to halve emissions by 2030.
 38

D R I V I N G SYSTE MS
TR A N S FO RMATION
Responding to the request by more targets to be met by 2030. Meeting
than 40 countries that endorsed the these targets is urgently needed to
U N F C C C

Breakthrough Agenda, the High- increase the resilience of four billion

Level Champions, the International people across five impact systems:
Energy Agency, and the International food and agriculture, water and
Renewable Energy Agency launched nature, coastal and oceans, human
the first Breakthrough Agenda settlements, and infrastructure,
T H E

Report 2022, which sets out 25 and include solutions for planning
recommendations for strengthening and finance.
international collaboration in five
B E Y O N D

sectors: power, hydrogen, road Five regional forums were convened

transport, steel and agriculture. in 2022 by the COP27 Presidency
and the High-Level Champions for
The COP27 Presidency, in mobilizing regional finance to support
collaboration with the High-Level implementation in both mitigation
A N D

Champions and the Marrakech and adaptation, resulting in a

Partnership, launched the Sharm compendium showcasing a range of
el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, which 50 high-impact, investment-ready,
W I T H I N

details 30 global adaptation outcome country-owned initiatives.

E M P OW ER I NG TH E
I N C L U S I V I T Y

W HO L E O F SOCI E T Y
Different sectors of society are implementation of the Glasgow
affected in different ways by work programme on ACE, which
climate change, which is why it is aims to accelerate the systems,
important to listen to and empower behaviour and lifestyle changes
A N D

communities, so they can take part in required for the transitions to low-
effective climate action. emission, climate resilient and just
societies and economies.
A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y

Action for Climate Empowerment

(ACE) is the toolbox for empowering The Secretariat and the Italian
all members of society – including Ministry of Environment and
children and youth – to understand Energy Security launched the
the climate crisis and engage Youth4Capacity initiative at Africa
in climate action, through six Climate Week. Over the next five
areas: climate change education years, the initiative will contribute
and public awareness, training, to building the capacity of young
public participation and access people towards tackling climate
to information, and international change while addressing the
cooperation in these areas. linkages between climate action
and the implementation of the
A four-year ACE action plan was Sustainable Development Goals
adopted at COP27 to support and the three Rio conventions.
 39

Engaging civil society

The UNFCCC works with NGOs under nine constituencies, with each constituency centred around
a broad theme. The constituencies are:

• Business and industry NGOs (BINGO)

U N F C C C
• Environmental NGOs (ENGO)
• Farmers and agricultural NGOs (Farmers)
• Indigenous peoples’ organizations (IPO)
• Local government and municipal authorities (LGMA)
• Research and independent NGOs (RINGO)

T H E
• Trade union NGOs (TUNGO)
• Women and gender constituency (WGC)
• Children and youth NGOs (YOUNGO)

B E Y O N D
STRENGTHENING

A N D
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
GENDER ACTION PLAN

W I T H I N
2022 marked the halfway point gender-related aspects of the IPCC
of the 5-year enhanced Lima work Sixth Assessment Report, and
programme on gender and its a dialogue held jointly with the

I N C L U S I V I T Y
gender action plan. Countries took LCIPP’s Facilitative Working Group
stock of the implementation of on advancing the leadership of
activities, drawing on a synthesis women from local communities and
report prepared by the secretariat. indigenous women in climate policy
A first-of-its-kind event on and action were organized at COP27.

ST R E N GT HE NI NG
A N D
O B S E RV E R E NGAG E ME NT A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y

No other annual meetings of UN in the UNFCCC, the secretariat launched

processes attract as many observers an informal consultation process, which
as the UNFCCC. Observer engagement generated more than 300 proposals
in the process is vital, and they bring to address those challenges. The
legitimacy to the intergovernmental secretariat also published the Observer
process. To find solutions to the Handbook – a capacity-building
challenges Parties and observers face material for observers engaging in COPs
in strengthening observer engagement – in five UN languages.
THE SECRETARIAT
AS CONVENER

© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E
 41

The intergovernmental process is based on the outcomes of the

fundamental to the work of the intergovernmental process.
UNFCCC, and the secretariat enables
the governing and subsidiary The secretariat provides conference
bodies of the Convention, the services for the sessions of the
Kyoto Protocol and the Paris governing and subsidiary bodies,
Agreement to function. The as well as for a wide range of
secretariat also provides legal, workshops, capacity-building
programmatic and procedural sessions, meetings and other events,
advice as well as ensuring that the creating an optimal environment
global response to climate change for the participation of Parties, civil
is informed by cohesive messaging society and other stakeholders.

COP27 in numbers

C O N V E N E R
2,717
the number of meetings
held at COP27,
7 per cent higher

113
49 ,71 6
than at the past
two COPs.

the number of world

A S
leaders who attended
the World
Leaders Summit.

S E C R E T A R I A T
the number of badged representatives
of government, civil society, academia,

12,982
business and youth,
as well as support personnel.

the number of badged

observer delegates.

T H E

SU P P O RT ING
T H E P RO CE SS
The UNFCCC process is supported the Kyoto Protocol Compliance
in achieving its outcomes by Committee, as well as other
independent, high-quality, constituted bodies, is at the heart of
authoritative legal, procedural the secretariat’s work.
and programmatic advice that
maintains trust in the fairness, Three e-learning courses were
inclusivity and transparency of the launched to build capacities of
climate change regime. Ensuring young negotiators, presiding
effective and efficient deliberations officers, observer organizations, and
and decision-making of the Paris legislators to actively engage in the
Agreement Implementation and UNFCCC process and implement
Compliance Committee and of international climate commitments.
 42

The secretariat worked with the Earlier in the year, in an effort to

incoming Presidency to engage Parties further enhance efficiency at SB56,
and build political momentum towards a digital platform was launched to
COP27 through the organization of help participants manage calendars,
Heads of Delegation meetings, the collaborate with other participants
Regional Climate Weeks and the Sharm and ensure real-time access to
el-Sheikh Implementation Summit. decision documents. The Chairs of
This engagement was instrumental in the Subsidiary Bodies also convened
helping Parties to achieve the robust their closing plenaries in parallel,
outcomes adopted at COP27. allowing Parties to adopt conclusions
for joint items across the two bodies
simultaneously while maintaining
integrity of the process.

Digital outreach
C O N V E N E R

Digital outreach is at the core of UN Climate Change’s communication strategy. During COP27, 260
million people engaged with UN Climate Change’s posts on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
and other channels, while eight million users visited unfccc.int throughout the year. The relaunch
of the UN Climate Change website, strategic partnerships with major technology organizations and
a highly targeted social media outreach strategy contributed to the increase in numbers.
A S
S E C R E T A R I A T

Regional Climate Weeks

The Regional Climate Weeks (RCWs) are conferences organized by the UNFCCC secretariat
and partner organizations, which function as collaborative platforms where all stakeholders
can strengthen their responses to climate change at the regional level. RCWs enable regional
stakeholders to have their voices heard and forge partnerships. Non-Party stakeholders also play a
key role, while the High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership work to embed climate
action at all levels.
T H E

Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW 2022) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was
the first RCW held in the region. It provided a platform for the region’s governments, cities, private
sector leaders, financial institutions and civil society to identify opportunities to enhance climate
action. More than 3,000 participants from 135 countries took part in 161 events.

Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW 2022) in Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic, saw 1,700 in-person participants taking part in 169 sessions. The week focused
on engaging and empowering stakeholders to drive climate action across countries,
communities and economies.

Africa Climate Week (ACW 2022) in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, brought together more than
2,300 participants from governments, cities, multilateral organizations, the private sector and
civil society, across 176 events, focused on limiting the global average temperature rise and
building a resilient future.
INCLUSIVE AND
IMPACTFUL
PARTNERSHIPS

© G E T T Y I MAGES
 44

When diverse stakeholders partner In 2022, the secretariat had 59 active

to leverage their strengths and partnerships with a range of Party
expertise, efforts to address climate and non-Party entities.
change become more impactful.

PA RT N E R SH I PS W I TH
G OV ER N M E NTS
Germany was the secretariat’s With the help of Japan,
top funder for supplementary the secretariat continued
projects in 2022, supporting the second supporting developing countries in
periodic review under the Convention implementing MRV and ETF, supporting
and the global stocktake, the global technical reviews for national reports,
P A R T N E R S H I P S

goal for adaptation and the workplans developing the ETF, and improving
of the Adaptation Committee (AC), capacity building of stakeholders.
the Least Developed Countries Expert
Group; the development of information The United Kingdom (UK)
hub and reporting systems under the supported the global goal
Enhanced Transparency Framework. on adaptation and developing the
information hub.
In collaboration with
the European Union (EU), The United States of America
the secretariat organized a series supported the secretariat on
I M P A C T F U L

of workshops for the second and its priorities related to transparency

eighth Article of the Paris Agreement mandates. These included establishing
and produced three technical and the scope, design and plan for the
two synthesis reports. The secretariat development of the new IT systems
also delivered on climate finance and tools required to support the
and technical reviews of national operationalization of the ETF.
reports, including reducing emissions
A N D

from deforestation and forest Norway supported the

degradation (REDD+). secretariat in implementing
mandates in areas of mitigation,
I N C L U S I V E

Germany and the EU were also adaptation transparency and legal.

instrumental in funding the
NDC Partnership that continued
supporting more than 70 developing
countries to implement and enhance
their NDCs.
 45

PA RT N E R SH I PS W I TH
N O N - PA RT Y E NTI TI E S
The secretariat also benefitted countries, the partnership focused
from pooled funding by Belgium, on providing technical expertise to
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, develop bankable projects to attract
Switzerland, the UK and the EU to finance for climate solutions.
the Trust Fund for Participation that
enabled an in-person participation of In partnership with 3M and
delegates from developing countries Sabesp, the secretariat advanced
and least-developed countries in the Resilience Frontiers initiative
SB56 and COP27. which promotes solutions for a
climate-resilient future in 2030 and

P A R T N E R S H I P S
In partnership with the Climate beyond. 3M supported optimizing
Emergency Collaboration Group future health and wellbeing, and
and The Nature Conservancy, the Sabesp supported leveraging water
secretariat leveraged funding and management equitably.
support to ensure safe and inclusive
participation in the UNFCCC process The secretariat – in partnership
and meetings by putting in place with the OpenEarth Foundation –
COVID-related measures. advanced work under the Global
Innovation Hub initiative which
With the support of Bloomberg promotes transformative innovations

I M P A C T F U L
Philanthropies, the secretariat for a low-emission and climate-
strengthened its capacity to support resilient future.
developing country Parties to meet
the goals of the Paris Agreement Through the Local Communities
and the Glasgow Pact through Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP),
enhancements to the Global Climate the secretariat and Salesforce
Action Portal. collaborated on promoting the

A N D
exchange of experiences and good
The secretariat, in partnership with practices and building capacity
Citi Group, through its Needs-based for engagement. This partnership

I N C L U S I V E
Finance Project, assisted developing resulted in workshops and gatherings
countries in improving access to that strengthened the engagement
and mobilization of climate finance. of indigenous peoples and local
Covering some 100 developing communities in the UNFCCC process.
© U N C L I M AT E C H A N G E
LOOKING
AHEAD

© RE DCUPSTUDI O VI A CA N VA .COM
 47

2023 is a crucial year for climate action, a better course for the future. The
with the focus on implementation. global stocktake enables countries
A major milestone is the global and other stakeholders to see where
stocktake (GST), the centrepiece of they are collectively making progress
COP28, and the first time countries will toward meeting the goals of the Paris
come together to look at where the Agreement – and where they are not.
world stands on climate action and
work together to chart a better course Throughout the year, countries and
forward. The secretariat will work stakeholders will begin shaping
throughout 2023 to ensure all Parties the outcome of the stocktake. This
and stakeholders are as well-equipped collaborative effort helps ensure that
as possible to meet the challenges and everyone’s voices are heard and that
opportunities they face. the resulting solutions reflect the needs
of all involved.
The global stocktake is a critical
turning point when it comes to efforts The stocktake will also lay the
to address climate change – it is a foundation for countries to update and
moment to take a long, hard look enhance their NDCs, which they are
at the state of our planet and chart required to do in 2025.

LO S S A N D DAMAG E

A H E A D
In 2023, the Transitional Committee damage. The Santiago network will
will make recommendations to also conduct scoping activities with

L O O K I N G
COP28 on how to operationalize developing countries to identify
new funding arrangements and best practices in addressing loss
a fund for responding to loss and and damage.

CL I MAT E FI NANCE
The secretariat in 2023 will facilitate Quantified Goal on Finance will
the work of the Standing Committee support the implementation of the
on Finance to prepare a report second year of the work programme
on doubling adaptation finance. intending to develop a robust
The Co-chairs of the ad hoc work infrastructure for the post-2025
programme on the New Collective climate finance regime.

ACCO U N TA BI L I T Y
In 2023, the secretariat will focus on processes and procedures for the
ensuring the smooth transition to enhanced transparency framework will
Parties’ reporting under the ETF, as be developed and tested, leveraging
well as on supporting developing lessons learned from the technical
country Parties in terms of capacity- reviews, assessments and analysis
building and accountability. As part processes under the Convention and
of this, new reporting and review Kyoto Protocol.
48

The secretariat will work to scale up the of voluntary initiatives, in light of

role of the Global Climate Action Portal findings by the UN Secretary General’s
as a data portal to ensure accountability High-Level Expert Group.

A DA P TAT ION
The Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh work such as transformational adaptation
programme to deliver a global goal and indigenous peoples, target
on adaptation, mandated at COP26, setting, and inputs and linkages
will see the final four workshops to the global stocktake.
take place this year, featuring topics

MI T IGAT ION
The second High-Level Ministerial focusing on accelerating just
Roundtable on pre-2030 Ambition energy transition.
will be held during COP28 to
A H E A D

advance the ministerial discussion Advancing implementation of

on ambition and implementation the necessary elements to fully
in this critical decade. Dialogues operationalize the approaches under
under the Sharm el-Sheikh Article 6 will continue, and 2023
L O O K I N G

Mitigation Work Programme will versions of the NDC and LT-LEDS

be held throughout the year, synthesis reports will be published.

E N HA N CI NG
T H E P RO CE SS
The responsibility for work on most cumulative outcomes move the
of the key deliverables for COP28 global community closer to achieving
currently lies within the Subsidiary the goals of the Paris Agreement. As
Bodies: the global stocktake, the custodian, the Secretariat will use
mitigation work programme, the its unique convening power to help
global goal on adaptation, and the move the process from negotiation
work programme on just transition. to action, and to achieve progress
The incoming COP28 Presidency and through integrated strategic COP
the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies will agendas which transcend the usual
be critical to facilitating the coherent COP-to-COP approach.
delivery of mandates at COP28.
It will also work to enhance
The secretariat is continually looking engagement with developing
to enhance efficiency in the UNFCCC country Parties to help them more
process and to undertake efforts efficiently engage and participate
to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the UNFCCC process through
and that each conference builds facilitating coordination and delivery
on the previous one so that the of capacity-building programmes.
 49

2 0 2 2 F I N A N C I A L P E R F O R M A N C E

RE V E N U E BY
TRUST F U ND

( I N U S D M I L L I O N S )

P E R F O R M A N C E
36 M C ore b u dg e t 34 M C lean 31 M 6 M1
D eve lo pm ent S u p p lementar y
M e c h a n is m

F I N A N C I A L
2 M2 3 M3

1 M4
1
ZH F p lu s o t h e r
2
Sp e c i a l a n n u a l c o n t r ibu tio n
3
Pa r t i c ipa t io n
I nte r na t io n a l Tra n s a c tio n Lo g

113
4

M
TOTAL
 50

2 0 2 2 F I N A N C I A L P E R F O R M A N C E

E X PE N DIT U R E
BY T RUS T F U N D

( I N U S D M I L L I O N S )
P E R F O R M A N C E

36 M C o re bu dg e t 36 M 39 M 6 M1
Cle a n S u p p lementar y
D eve lo p ment
Mechanism
F I N A N C I A L

4 M3 2 M2

1 M4

1
Z HF plu s o th e r
2
S pe c ia l a n n u a l c o n tr i b u t i on
3
Pa r t ic ipa tio n
In te r n a tio n a l Tra n s act i on Log

124
4

M
TOTAL
 51

2 0 2 2 F I N A N C I A L P E R F O R M A N C E

EX PE NDIT U R E
BY C ATE G ORY

( I N U S D M I L L I O N S )

P E R F O R M A N C E
58 M Sta ff 24 M 17 M 12 M
Co n tract u al Op erat i ng Trave l
s e r vices and Ot her
exp enses

20 M
Ret u r n/

F I N A N C I A L
t ransfer
of donor
f u ndi ng

0.5 M1

1
D e p rec i at io n /A m o r t iza tio n

131.3
TOTA L
M
 52

Abbreviations and acronyms

Annex I Party Party included in Annex I to the Convention

Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris
CMA
Agreement

Conference of the Partiers serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto
CMP
Protocol

COP Conference of the Parties

ETF enhanced transparency framework under the Paris Agreement

GHG greenhouse gas

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

A C R O N Y M S

LCIPP Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform

LT-LEDS long-term low-emission development strategy(ies)

MRV measurement, reporting and verification

NAP national adaptation plan

A N D

NDC nationally determined contribution

A B B R E V I A T I O N S

non-Annex I Party Party not included in Annex I to the Convention

PCCB Paris Committee on Capacity-building

RCC Regional Collaboration Centre

reducing emissions from deforestation; reducing emissions from forest

REDD+ degradation; conservation of forest carbon stocks; sustainable management of
forests; and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (decision 1/CP.16, para. 70)

SBI Subsidiary Body for Implementation

SB56 The 56th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies

SBSTA Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice

TEC Technology Executive Committee

WEB MAIN OFFICE
unfccc.int UNFCCC secretariat
UN Campus
TWITTER Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1
@UNFCCC (English) 53113 Bonn
@CCNUCC (French) Germany
@RKIKOON (Russian)
@CMNUCC (Spanish) MAILING ADDRESS
@SimonStiell (UNFCCC Executive Secretary) UNFCCC secretariat
P.O. Box 260124
FACEBOOK 53153 Bonn
www.facebook.com/UNclimatechange Germany

LINKEDIN PHONE
www.linkedin.com/company/unfccc (49-228) 815-1000

EMAIL FAX
[email protected] (49-228) 815-1999