18 May 2017: The Bonn Climate Change Conference advanced negotiations on issues related to technology development and transfer and capacity building, including the periodic assessment of the Technology Mechanism and the elaboration of the technology framework under the Paris Agreement. A number of special events and side events convened on the sidelines.

The Bonn talks took place in Germany from 8-18 May 2017. They comprised the 46th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 46) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 46), as well as the third part of the first session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA 1-3). This update brings you news on the capacity building and technology developments that took place during the Conference.

On technology development and transfer, the SBI addressed the scope and modalities for the periodic assessment of the Technology Mechanism in relation to supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The SBSTA continued its deliberations on the elaboration of the technology framework under the Paris Agreement. Matters related to capacity building under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol were considered by the SBI. [SBI Provisional Annotated Agenda] [SBSTA Provisional Annotated Agenda] [SBI Conclusions on Development and Transfer of Technologies: Scope and Modalities for the Periodic Assessment of the Technology Mechanism in Relation to Supporting the Implementation of the Paris Agreement] [SBSTA Conclusions on Technology Framework under Article 10, paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement] [SBI Conclusions on Capacity-building under the Convention] [SBI Conclusions on Capacity-building under the Kyoto Protocol]

In addition, a number of mandated events took place. The Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB) convened for its first meeting from 11-13 May 2017, and agreed to, inter alia: adopt the PCCB rules of procedure, working modalities and rolling workplan for 2017-2019; undertake assessments of capacity-building needs; and continue with the 2017 focus area or theme on capacity-building activities for the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the context of the Paris Agreement. [First PCCB Meeting Webpage] [Annotated Agenda] [IISD RS Coverage of Day 1] [IISD RS Coverage of Day 2] [IISD RS Coverage of Day 3] [IISD RS Summary of Outcomes]

The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) held a special event on innovation and climate change during which participants discussed how innovation can support implementation of NDCs and mid-century strategies.

On 10 May 2017, the sixth meeting of the Durban Forum on Capacity-building convened under the theme ‘Enhancing capacities for adaptation in the context of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and NDCs.’ Participants considered ways to: enhance human, institutional and systemic capacities to design adaptation interventions in the context of NAPs and NDCs; enhance capacity to access adaptation finance; and strengthen the engagement of non-party stakeholders to support capacity building needed in the context of NAPs and NDCs. [Durban Forum on Capacity-building Sixth Meeting Webpage] [Concept Note] [Guiding Questions]

The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) held a special event on innovation and climate change on 12 May 2017, during which participants discussed how innovation can support implementation of NDCs and mid-century strategies. [Special Event on Innovation and Climate Change Webpage] [Special Event Agenda] [CTCN Press Release]

On 9 May 2017, a thematic event on innovative policy and technology solutions for sustainable urban development showcased innovative approaches to urban planning, policies and technology solutions to deliver greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and generate sustainable development benefits in cities. The event took place within the framework of the Technical Expert Meeting (TEM) on Mitigation that was held from 8-12 May 2017. [Technology Events at the May Bonn Climate Change Conference Webpage] [UNFCCC TEM Calendar] [TEM Agenda]

Selected Side Events

A number of side events took place throughout the Bonn Climate Change Conference, addressing various aspects of capacity building, and technology development and transfer, including: