Foreword by advisory chair

Moa Forstorp

This past year, we were reminded by the IPCC, and the impacts of climate itself via countless extreme weather events and disasters, of the urgent need to address the climate crisis using both new innovations and solutions we already have at our fingertips. We also find ourselves at a crucial moment wherein countries are striving to make their energy transformations a reality.

Renewable energy is at the centre of the transition to a resilient, low-emission, sustainable energy system. The International Energy Agency outlines the implications of aiming for net-zero emissions in the energy sector, including the ensuing transformation of the global economy, scale-up of renewable-based electricity, those who will benefit greatly from universal access to electricity and clean cooking by 2030, and the critical action needed from governments, including the innovation that can be fostered through their cooperation. The energy transition will lay the foundation for achieving net-zero emissions goals, and for creating the basis upon which countries can then decarbonize other sectors—including transport, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure—more effectively.

2021 was also the third year of operationalization of the Technology Framework, which has provided a structure through which to align the mandates and activities of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Over the past year, the Advisory Board has actively supported the CTCN as it enhanced its collaboration with the constituted bodies of the UNFCCC, including the Technology Executive Committee and the Financial Mechanism, such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Global Environmental Facility.

The second independent review of the effective implementation of the Climate Technology Centre and Network, conducted by Ernst & Young, was completed in 2021. The report presents findings on the CTCN’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impacts and sustainability, and provides conclusions and recommendations. The positive findings indicate that the CTCN has demonstrated its added value as a demand-driven mechanism with strong sectoral expertise, agility, and responsiveness. Additionally, the report confirms the CTCN’s continuous improvement in its programmes of work, including in its communication and outreach services, and its strategic collaboration with the Advisory Board, operating entities of the Financial Mechanism, and the TEC. The review also found that:

  • The Centre is considered to be cost effective given the type of services it provides.
  • The CTCN’s new regional organization is perceived by stakeholders as more effective and efficient.
  • Its contribution to transformational change is likely to be sustainable.
  • Positive impacts are expected on adaptation and mitigation, and stakeholders have observed or anticipate socioeconomic co-benefits, particularly in terms of economic well-being, gender equality and human rights.

In addition, the evaluation provides some insightful recommendations for the future, such as conducting ex-post impact evaluations of technical assistance, and further enriching synergies among Network members.

The technology work of the CTCN is important now, as ever, to assist countries in meeting their enhanced ambitions toward climate commitments, and the Advisory Board remains committed to supporting the CTCN in this process.

Moa Forstorp
CTCN Advisory Board Chair