The Global Transparency Forum 2024 will drive more ambitious climate action

20 May 2024, Tokyo – The Global Transparency Forum brings together more than 170 government officials, experts and representatives from international organizations with the common goal of driving ambitious climate action through stronger collaboration on transparency.

Key milestones ahead

To be transparent about climate change, countries have to submit a report known as the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These reports contain updated climate-related data and information on: the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals; progress made towards reaching nationally determined climate targets; climate adaptation actions; and funds provided, received or required to meet their goals.

The first BTR is due by the end of 2024. This report is an important component of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement.

By the end of February 2025 countries should submit revised and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) covering all emissions and all sectors, including agriculture and land use.

High-level dialogue on Transparency

During the forum, a High-level Dialogue on “The importance of Transparency in Enhancing NDC Ambition” - scheduled for May 20, 4:45-6:15 PM (GMT+9) (register here to join the livestreaming) - will address these dual imperatives, explaining their links and how comprehensive BTRs are instrumental in ensuring  ambitious climate commitments in the future.

At the meeting FAO will provide updates on the tools and knowledge products developed to support climate reporting and planning by countries, especially in the agriculture and land use sector. It will inform countries about the support available to enhance their institutional and technical capacities to address ETF reporting requirements; and to strengthen collaboration with other organizations.

What is the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF)?

The ETF is an essential component of the Paris Agreement as it allows countries to monitor their progress towards achieving their national climate goals and pledges. By doing this, the ETF establishes mutual trust and accountability between countries.

Its content (BTRs) will form the basis of the Global Stocktake - a global dialogue on progress and impact that takes place every five years to assess how countries are collectively advancing towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. The first Global Stocktake took place in 2023.

Why does FAO work on Transparency?

Agriculture and land use, land-use change and forestry sectors contribute about a quarter of global net GHG emissions. Despite their significance, these sectors are underreported in national GHG inventories due to data issues, technical challenges, and the limited involvement of relevant authorities.

“Transparency in climate actions not only builds trust among nations but also drives collective ambition to achieve and surpass climate commitments. The insights gained from the biennial transparency reports will be instrumental in setting the stage for more ambitious and effective climate policies at COP29 and climate actions in the follow up.” Explained Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

FAO is one of the leading agencies supporting countries in strengthening their capacity in the agriculture and land use sectors. This will allow them to consolidate information for a more informed decision-making process when building strategies for a sustainable and climate-compliant agrifood systems’ transformation.

Forum’s organisers

The forum has been organised by the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency - Global Support Programme (CBIT-GSP), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), UNDP Climate Promise; and is hosted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.

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