Climate Technology Centre & Network Progress Report 2020

A message from our directorDr. Rose Mwebaza

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Last year was like no other in our lifetimes. Yet, despite the pandemic, we continued to deliver together on our mandate, recognising that climate action remains such a high priority. As was the case for all bodies under the UNFCCC, the CTCN adapted to the COVID-19 challenges posed to planned activities and reoriented much of its work to online facilities while also directing resources to where they could be best utilized. The countries that we serve also faced unprecedented challenges, yet throughout the last year, the National Designated Entities remained steadfast and focused partners, working at the very crux of global climate change, health and economic objectives.

With this Progress Report, we would like to share with you the trends in climate technology demand that we experienced in 2020 as well as the outcomes of our efforts to implement the five themes of the technology framework under the Paris Agreement over the past year.

The Climate Technology Centre & Network served nearly 50 countries this year, providing support for implementation of Technology Needs Assessments, Technology Action Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions. In addition, numerous countries focused their technical assistance requests on initiatives and technology choices that support a green recovery from the pandemic. These included technical assistance responses that create national systems of innovation, the development of national circular economy roadmaps, and the building of resilient communities through the identification of adaptation technologies and the use of nature-based solutions.

The Centre’s Network reached over 600 members globally. With this growing network of diverse technical and geographic expertise, our capacity to deliver has been enhanced. As such, the CTCN launched or expanded several new programmes this year: small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) climate technology clinics were piloted to introduce climate technologies and international suppliers to local SMEs; a new Youth Climate Innovation Lab programme attracted over 700 youth innovators from Africa and Asia who were matched with Network SMEs; the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator was launched; and the CTCN is now the largest provider of successful Green Climate Fund technology readiness proposals.

By offering opportunities for learning and mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences with youth innovators and the UNFCCC Women and Gender Constituency, the CTCN continued to facilitate youth engagement and gender-responsive technologies to support transformative technology solutions.

I am also pleased to share that the CTCN successfully operationalised its regional approach, with technical managers and experts now working from regional offices in Bangkok, Nairobi, and Mexico City. This allows the CTCN to be closer to the countries it serves and more responsive to developing countries’ climate technology needs.

We live in extraordinary times. While the COVID-19 pandemic is an acute problem with an end in sight, fighting climate change will require heightened efforts. The CTCN expresses its sincere appreciation for the financial and substantive support provided by Parties, and the active engagement of Advisory Board members, National Designated Entities, and Network members in 2020.

There is no time to lose, and I look forward to our continued collaboration as we build our momentum for change.

Dr. Rose Mwebaza