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Experts from a global United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network concluded three days of discussions here today with Asian countries at a regional forum on low-carbon, climate-resilient development know-how needed to implement country commitments made at the landmark November 2015 Paris Climate Conference.
Representatives of 16 countries attended the 11-13 July Regional Forum for National Designated Entities in Asia organized by the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to promote information exchange and capacity building on climate technologies and finance. Representatives and experts of the Green Climate Fund, multilateral development banks, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations also attended the Regional Forum.
Opening the event, Thailand’s Minister of Science and Technology, H.E. Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj said: “If we can identify climate change and climate technologies as a global public good, a lot can be achieved.” View the Minister's comments on technology transfer in Thailand.
The aim of the Forum was to explore relevant technology opportunities for public and private sector actors in the region covering a broad range of sectors including agriculture, energy, industry and transport, CTCN Director Jukka Uosukainen told the meeting. “The Climate Technology Centre and Network serves as a bridge to essential knowledge, technical assistance, and financing in order to reach climate and development objectives. National Designated Entities play a catalytic role in climate technology issues in their countries and they will utilize this Forum to identify new prospects for both the public and private sector”, he added.
A global network of over 170 research institutions, private and civil society organizations which promotes the accelerated development and transfer of climate technologies for energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient development, the CTCN works through nationally selected focal points called National Designated Entities, providing free technology and capacity building support to developing countries.
Across Asia, CTCN has responded to 38 climate technology transfer requests, quickly mobilizing experts from around the world to design and deliver a customized solution. This includes a request from Thailand for capacity building support for precision farming to make Thai agriculture more resource efficient. A CTCN capacity building programme and exposure visit to the country is planned for September 2016.
CTCN experts are supporting Indonesia in developing a high resolution hydrodynamic model for Jakarta to assess flood levels under differing climate and/or engineering scenarios. Such a model will help local authorities to reduce flooding risks and develop appropriate flood management policies for the Indonesian capital.
The Centre is also helping the Islamic Republic of Iran identify suppliers of proven Micro Combined Heat and Power technologies to support sustainable and low-carbon national development. With CTCN assistance, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is developing the City Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Identification of Ecosystem-based Adaptation Intervention.
The UNFCCC climate technology network also promotes sharing of expertise among developing countries through South-South cooperation. Thus, Thailand is providing CTCN technical assistance to Bhutan to modernize the Himalayan kingdom’s transport sector and make it more energy efficient.
About CTCN:
The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) promotes the accelerated development and transfer of climate technologies for energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient development. As part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Technology Mechanism, the Climate Technology Centre is hosted and managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and supported by Consortium Partners and by 170+ Network Members around the world. The Centre utilizes the expertise of these institutions to deliver technical assistance and capacity building at the request of developing countries. CTCN technical assistance spans numerous technology sectors across adaptation and mitigation.