Second Online YECAP Climate Negotiators Training Explores the Significance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
In a bid to amplify the voices of young people and promote their active involvement in climate change policy, the YECAP Climate Negotiators Training Programme conducted its second online training session on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on 26 June 2023. The programme, a collaboration between RCC Asia Pacific and YOUNGO, aims to equip young leaders from marginalized communities in Asia and the Pacific with the knowledge and skills to influence climate policies, participate in international negotiations, and drive climate action on the ground.
The YECAP Climate Negotiators Training Programme focuses on enhancing the understanding of young leaders in key areas of the UNFCCC negotiation process, such as mitigation, adaptation, means of implementation, transparency, and communication and engagement. By empowering young people and fostering their active engagement, the programme contributes to the development of youth-inclusive national climate policies and generate innovative ideas and initiatives for effective climate action.
The second online training specifically addressed the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in climate policy. NDCs play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience. In 2015, the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, was adopted by 196 countries during the twenty-first session of the Conference of Parties (COP). The Agreement requires each country to outline and communicate their post-2020 climate actions through NDCs, with the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
The training provided participants with an introduction and overview of NDCs, including the global and regional outlook. Representatives from the UNFCCC Secretariat and various development partners shared their insights and initiatives related to NDCs, with a specific focus on youth-focused projects.
Some of the key highlights are that non-party actors and other stakeholders, including youth, are becoming more involved in the NDC planning and implementation processes. NDCs are better aligned with broader development goals and priorities, achievement of carbon neutrality, national legislative/regulatory/planning processes, and other international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, just transition is a key theme that drives the implementation of NDCs while Global Stocktake and Enhanced Transparency Framework are the two feedback mechanisms of the NDC process.
Participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of NDCs and were provided with a platform to interact with development partners actively engaged in youth-focused initiatives related to NDCs. The Q&A session gave the youth an opportunity for fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange.
The online training session concluded with closing remarks from Benita Gurung, Regional Lead at RCC Asia Pacific. She commended the participants for their active engagement and expressed her confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to climate action in their respective countries and regions.
The YECAP Climate Negotiators Training Programme will continue to empower young leaders by providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks to influence climate policies and implement sustainable solutions. Through collaboration with development partners and regional experts, the programme aims to create a lasting impact on climate action and foster a youth-driven movement for a sustainable future.
The next online session is scheduled to take place on 10 August. More information will be shared on how “capacity building” has evolved as an agenda item in the UNFCCC process. Youth participants will share achievements from their individual initiatives and explore opportunities to amplify the outcome.
For more information about the YECAP Climate Negotiators Training Programme and future events, please visit: https://www.yecap-ap.org/climate-negotiators