16 March 2018: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published an informal document laying out the draft elements of the modalities, work programme and functions of the forum on the impact of the implementation of response measures under the Paris Agreement on climate change (SB48.Informal.1).

The document was prepared by the Chairs of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) to facilitate discussions during the 48th sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), which will convene during the Bonn Climate Change Conference from 30 April to 10 May 2018.

The SBs are expected to prepare a recommendation on the draft elements for consideration and adoption by CMA 1.

Based on proposals by Parties, the draft elements contain various options for the modalities, work programme and functions of the forum. The document presents proposals regarding the frequency of meetings and the institutional arrangements required for the forum to perform its functions, as well as on how its technical functions might be performed. The preamble includes an introduction, mandate and purpose. The general section provides options for text on cross-cutting issues, overarching considerations, principles and scope.

The SBI and SBSTA are expected to consider the informal document, refine the draft elements and continue to elaborate on the forum’s modalities, work programme and functions. They will then forward a recommendation for consideration and adoption by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement at its first session (CMA 1).

Response measures refer to actions that countries take to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an effort to combat climate change. The Convention requires that countries give full consideration to what actions are necessary, including actions related to funding, insurance and the transfer of technology, to meet the specific needs and concerns of developing country Parties arising from the adverse effects of climate change and/or the impact of the implementation of response measures. The forum on the impact of the implementation of response measures is a formal way for the concerns of developing countries to be addressed, and was mandated by the COP in 2010. [Draft Elements of Modalities, Work Programme and Functions of Forum on Impact of Implementation of Response Measures under Paris Agreement]