In March 2025, the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) met in Bonn, Germany, to discuss how developing countries can better comply with the Paris Agreement’s transparency requirements. This gathering included 145 participants focused on sharing experiences as these nations prepared their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).
BTRs are crucial for governments. They help build a solid evidence base for climate policies, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to tackle climate change. According to Daniele Violetti, Senior Director of Programmes Coordination at UN Climate Change, we are at a vital point as nations start submitting their BTRs. Ongoing collaboration and support, both politically and financially, are essential for this process.
Julia Gardiner, Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, emphasized the importance of these reports. BTRs not only track national climate plans but also contribute to broader global assessments, such as the Global Stocktake. Meanwhile, Jenny Mager, Chair of the CGE, urged countries to submit their reports promptly to maintain momentum.
The CGE also shared insights from representatives of developing countries like South Africa, Maldives, and Kazakhstan. They discussed the hurdles they’ve faced and the strategies they’ve used to overcome them. Partner organizations like UNEP and UNDP provided support details and highlighted their future plans.
Here are some lessons learned from this process:
- BTRs help countries update their climate goals, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Strong institutional frameworks and collaboration can help tackle challenges like data gaps.
- The preparation of BTRs is a valuable opportunity for countries to identify where they need to build capacity.
- A variety of resources are available to assist in preparing these reports.
Looking ahead, the CGE plans to expand its cooperation with organizations like CBIT-GSP and UNDP to provide ongoing support for developing nations. They will also enhance their collaboration with the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee to offer tailored assistance in transparency efforts.
Established in 1999, the CGE aims to boost the technical and institutional capacity of developing countries. Their goal is to improve reporting on climate issues over time, ultimately contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
For more information about the CGE and its initiatives, check out their official resources.
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Source linkBiennial Transparency Reports (BTRs),Climate reporting,Consultative Group of Experts (CGE),developing countries
