24 October 2012: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published the report of the experience-sharing workshop on technology needs assessments (TNAs) organized to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences in conducting TNAs and preparing technology action plans (FCCC/SBSTA/2012/INF.7).

The workshop, which was held from 10-12 September 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand, was organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the Secretariat and involved the participation of national TNA coordinators, as well as members of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC). The workshop also provided a platform to engage with representatives of the private sector and financial community on possible ways of enhancing access to funding to implement the results of TNAs.

The report summarizes the presentations and discussions held during the workshop. The workshop was organized into five modules on: technology action plans (TAPs) for mitigation and adaptation by sector; experience-driven reflection on the state of the art of the TNA and TAP process; regional knowledge diffusion on TNA and TAP experiences and outputs by sector; developing project proposals capable of attracting funding; and a training session led by the UNFCCC Secretariat.

The report also outlines some of the issues identified during the workshop as requiring further consideration, such as identifying good practices and lessons learned from the TNA–TAP process, challenges in the TNA–TAP process and ways and means to overcome them, and possible recommendations for the future of the TNA–TAP process. In addition, it summarizes recommendations made on the future of the TNA and TAP process, such as alternative models of financing beyond a project-by-project approach.

The report will be considered by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) at its 37th session, in Doha, Qatar. [Report of the Experience-Sharing Workshop on Technology Needs Assessments] [IISD RS Coverage of the Workshop]