Consultative group of experts commit to support developing countries

The Consultative Group of Experts (CGE), at its fifth meeting held reiterated its commitment to provide technical support and advice to developing countries to continue implementing existing greenhouse gas measurement, reporting and verification arrangements (MRV) under the Convention. The CGE also underlined that it would support developing countries as they prepare to implement the more stringent enhanced transparency framework under the Paris Agreement.

The meeting of the CGE took place virtually on 2-3 March 2021 and elected Ms. Virginia Sena from Uruguay as the Chair and Ms. Sandra Boitumelo Motshwanedi from South Africa as the Rapporteur for 2021.

In developing its workplan for 2021, the CGE relied on the innovative work methods developed in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group agreed to hold regional training workshops planned for this year in virtual settings. This decision was made noting the practical challenges and safety concerns of holding the in-person training sessions due to the COVID-19 crisis, while noting that virtual training sessions cannot effectively replace in-person training sessions.

In addition, the group agreed to update its training materials on mitigation and adaptation assessments and conduct two webinar series. The group also agreed to continue enhancing its communication and outreach activities and collaboration efforts with other expert groups and constituted bodies under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, as well as other intergovernmental and international organizations.

Finally, the CGE tentatively agreed to have its next meeting, the sixth CGE meeting, in the first week of September 2021. The secretariat was requested to make the necessary arrangements.