The 2nd Global Adaptation Network Forum addresses some of the most pressing challenges for climate change adaptation. It provides an opportunity for decision makers, policy experts and practitioners to share knowledge and experiences on how to address these challenges.
See the full Forum Programme here.
The Global Adaptation Network Forum is a contribution to the Talanoa Dialogue and will provide inputs to the key questions that the dialogue is addressing: 1) Where are? 2) Where do we want to go? 3) How do we get there? In the spirit of Talanoa, the Forum fosters inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue on these questions in the context of climate adaptation and resilience.
The Forum will also include a regional Technical Examination Meeting on Adaptation (TEM-A) as a contribution to the Technical Examination Process on Adaptation (TEP-A) under the UNFCCC Adaptation Committee. The TEM-A will focus on adaptation action that reaches the most vulnerable.
The Forum will be organized jointly by UN Environment’s Global Adaptation Network and Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Holding the Forum in Abu Dhabi provides an opportunity to consider some of the specific challenges in Gulf region, including how to ensure continued access to clean freshwater. The solutions developed in the region can be of relevance in other parts of the world.
There are four main themes for the Forum. These are:
-
From the Gulf to the World: This theme examines the specific adaptation challenges facing Gulf States and the solutions and technologies that are being developed in the region. Sessions will consider whether and how these solutions and technologies can be applied elsewhere and the role of the private sector in these strategies.
-
Adaptation metrics: The question of how to measure and assess different aspects of adaptation is becoming increasingly important. The private sector, including investors, are striving for a common metric for measuring physical climate risk. Countries, cities and multilateral development banks are also developing approaches to assess progress towards becoming climate resilient. This theme will tackle these issues.
-
Adaptation Learning: This theme investigates the different ways of developing, sharing and applying adaptation knowledge. It will feature recent models and new institutions and consider the role of universities in supporting resilience; the recently launched Global Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation, the UN Climate Resilience Initiative (A2R) and the value of face-to-facelearning exchanges.
-
Reaching the most vulnerable: It is widely recognized that adaptation policy and practice must reach the most vulnerable in society. However, to date that practice does not live up to this. This theme considers the risks faced by vulnerable groups and communities and highlights the actions needed to address those risks more effectively. It also considers the role of insurance in absorbing climate shocks in vulnerable regions, through discussions on the feasibility of a potential learning platform on climate risk insurance for Africa.
Cross-cutting theme: Adaptation and non-state actors In addition to the four main themes, there will also be a cross-cutting theme on the role of non-state actors, including the private sector, in adaptation.
For further information please contact Essey Daniel at essey.daniel[at]un.org
