During the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), events on 20 November included a high-level event on the NDC Partnership and an event on the role of wildlife in climate action.

The high-level event assessing progress made through the NDC Partnership brought together partners and developing countries to reflect on what the Partnership has achieved and to look forward to the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), due in 2025. With 230 members, the Partnership has, for eight years, facilitated collaborative, collective support for countries to develop their NDCs in alignment with their national priorities and capacities.

In a keynote address, Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, highlighted the NDC Partnership’s help in making the benefits of climate action achievable for everyone. He pointed to support from the UN’s Climate Plan Campaign, announced at COP 29, and urged NDC Partnership members to reaffirm and strengthen their commitments, reiterating that NDCs are not optional. 

One speaker stated that finance is a precondition for ambitious NDCs, which can send clear signals to investors that a roadmap exists for moving forward.

During statements by donor countries:

• The UK noted it is providing GBP 25 million to support the Partnership and help 40 countries deliver ambitious NDCs;
• Denmark said it expects to deliver an additional USD 5 million for the Partnership;
• Germany said it will provide another EUR 38 million for the Partnership; and
• The US indicated it has met its goal of providing developing countries with USD 3 billion a year for adaptation.

A representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) emphasized the need for flexible finance aimed at resilience and inclusivity and pointed out that multilateral development banks (MDBs) seek to deliver USD 100 billion annually in climate finance for low-income countries (LICs) and middle-income countries (MICs) by 2030. Zambia and Rwanda highlighted their experiences with the Partnership, while Brazil noted early delivery of its NDC. The event was organized by the NDC Partnership.

Another event outlined practical steps for governments to align food systems transformation with biodiversity initiatives and climate targets, emphasizing their integration into NDCs. One speaker, on the role of wildlife in climate action, cited several examples of animals that help with carbon sequestration and offsetting carbon emissions, from sea otters to forest elephants. One noted the potential of animals to act as natural carbon capture and storage systems. Speakers from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Angola, and The Gambia highlighted efforts in their respective countries. For example, Kenya aims to expand community conservancies from 11% to 20% by 2030, enhancing carbon sinks and fostering sustainable tourism through governance and land-use plans.

On barriers to integrating wildlife conservation or food transformation into climate plans, speakers mentioned, among others: human-wildlife conflicts; failure to recognize wildlife conservation as a climate change solution; and lack of community participation and willingness to adopt changes.

Concluding thoughts addressed:

• The need to think beyond emissions, noting that biodiversity, especially wildlife, is underrepresented in climate discussions;
• The need to prioritize actionable means of implementation and closing the finance gap to achieve tangible outcomes; and
• Ensuring ecological perspectives and food system solutions are included in loss and damage negotiations.

The event was organized by the World Federation for Animals.