"We are now building the climate regime for the future. Our ability to protect the most vulnerable countries from the effects of climate change is dependent upon our capacity to participate in the negotiation process. This programme will support us in this key issue," said Mr. Giza Gaspar Martins, Chair, LDC Group.
LDCs face severe socio-economic and environmental problems that threaten sustainable development. Climate change and variability will continue to exacerbate these problems, posing one of the biggest challenges for 21st century diplomacy and international development. Yet, LDCs face obstacles in engaging effectively in intergovernmental climate change negotiation processes.
The new initiative titled: Building Capacity for LDCs to Participate Effectively in Intergovernmental Climate Change Processes was launched in Bangkok. It will provide technical assistance to a select group of negotiators from LDCs. Its aim is to strengthen key negotiation skills, applying climate change information and science, and understanding the climate change policy-making framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Innovative learning methods will be used, including simulated negotiation sessions, e-learning, mentoring, and opportunities to participate in an active network of practitioners to continually share knowledge and expertise.
This support to LDCs comes at a critical time, as climate negotiators are engaged in the process of climate change diplomacy leading to a new climate treaty at COP21 in Paris in December 2015, aiming to limit the global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
"This programme will help us improve our strategic engagement in the climate negotiation process, and better reflect the climate vulnerabilities in our countries, which will contribute to future agreements on climate change," said Mr. Batu Uprety, Chair, LDC Expert Group (LEG).
The programme is implemented in coordination with the LEG, and Secretariat of the UNFCCC with support from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). Collaborating partners include the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD - Bangladesh). This initiative contributes to UNDPs strategic plan, which aims to foster more inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.
