Becoming a UNFCCC

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Contents

Foreword by Tosi Mpanu-Mpanu, LDC Chair 3

Acknowledgements 4

How to use this toolkit 5

1. Understanding the UNFCCC 6

The UNFCCC 6
The Kyoto Protocol 8
The Paris Agreement 9

1.1 Negotiation sessions 10

COP/CMP/CMA 10
Subsidiary Bodies 14

2. Before you leave 16

Registration 16
A typical delegation structure 16

2.1 Preparing for your first session 17

Be familiar with the texts of the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement 17
Scheduling 20
Check what’s happened so far 20
Get to know the UNFCCC website 20

2.2 Practical tips: be prepared 22

3. Who’s who 23
3.1 A guide to the negotiating groups 23

3.2 Who’s who in the COP process 25

1
 Contents

4. Before COP starts 26

4.1 Prep meetings 26

4.2 Arriving at COP 27

Finding your way around 27
Arriving for subsidiary body sessions 27
What’s going on where? 28

5. A guide to the negotiations 29

5.1 What to expect from different meetings 29
Formal meetings 29
Informal meetings (‘informals’) 31
Coordination meetings 34
Bilaterals 35
Imaginary diary of an African LDC negotiator 36

5.2 Outcomes: what’s what? 38

Decisions 38
Conclusions 38

5.3 Events alongside the negotiations 39

Workshops and mandated events 39
Side events 39
Press conferences 40
Observers 40

5.4 Drafting text 43

Putting forward proposals for new paragraphs 43

5.5 How a decision might be reached 46

5.6 Practical tips: during the session 47

6. Useful resources 48
Our companion toolkits 49
Online 49
On Twitter 50
2
Foreword

As the current Chair of the Least Developed I applaud IIED’s unrelenting efforts to
Countries (LDC) Group, I welcome all new strengthen the capacity of the next generation
negotiators to our Group. The LDC Group of leaders in climate change. This guide,
needs to increase its capacity to work with our ‘Becoming a UNFCCC delegate: what you
current leaders to push further for more need to know’, should be an essential reading
equitable global decisions as well as rigorous for any new negotiator.  I wholeheartedly thank
and ambitious action to swiftly mitigate the IIED, UNEP, UNDP and all others involved
magnitude of climate change problems and in this project. 
adapt to their inevitable impacts.

Becoming a UNFCCC negotiator does not

happen overnight. International negotiation
processes are not easy and the UNFCCC
negotiations are especially complex. The Tosi Mpanu-Mpanu
climate change issue is negotiated at the Chair of the Least Developed
global level in a setting where a multitude of Countries Group in the UNFCCC (2016)
bodies meet in parallel to address a plethora Democratic Republic of Congo
of interconnected matters. In addition to the
difficult subject matter, the process itself
can be daunting and overwhelming even
for experienced negotiators. Starting in this
process as a new negotiator is certainly
the most difficult part. However, if you get
it right, you can go a long way.

3
 Author Acknowledgements
Janna Tenzing ([email protected]) is a The author would like to thank Mamadou
researcher at the International Institute for Honadia, Batu Uprety, Brianna Craft and Anju
Environment and Development’s Climate Sharma for their detailed comments on an
Change Group. earlier version of the text as well as Achala
Abeysinghe and Marika Weinhardt for overall
This publication has been made possible guidance. Special thanks also to Helen Burley
with support from the joint UNDP-UNEP for her invaluable support, ideas and advice
‘Building capacity for the least developed throughout the development of this toolkit. All
countries (LDCs) to participate effectively in errors remain the author’s.
intergovernmental climate change processes’.
This joint programme is funded by the Least
Developed Countries Fund. The Global
Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP and UNEP
would like to thank the author of this paper.
The designations employed and the
presentations in this paper do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the
part of UNDP, UNEP, GEF or any other
United Nations or contributory organisations,
editors or publishers concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or
its authority. Mention of a commercial
company or a product in this paper does not
imply endorsement by UNDP, UNEP, GEF or
any other United Nations or contributory
organisations. The use of information from
this publication concerning proprietary
products for publicity or advertising is
not permitted.

4
How to use this toolkit

Attending UN climate negotiations for the first time is daunting,

especially if it’s a Conference of the Parties (COP) session. With so
many meetings happening in parallel — some open, some closed
— and jargon and acronyms that constantly roll off people’s tongues,
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) process is notoriously complex.

This toolkit has been written to help new delegates, in particular from
the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), navigate the session. It
focuses on the process, rather than the content of negotiations, and
offers some practical ‘insider’ tips for getting through the days
(and nights).

There’s no ‘right’ way to use this toolkit. Skip from section to section,
or go through it from beginning to end.

We do however suggest the toolkit is used alongside its sister

publication: ‘Climate negotiations terminology: the pocket guide’.
The pocket guide explains and will help you to apply the specialist
language of the UNFCCC negotiations. It is available free of charge
on the IIED website in English (http://pubs.iied.org/10148IIED)
and French (http://pubs.iied.org/10148FIIED). A very full acronym
list is included in the pocket guide, hence not repeated in this toolkit.

5
 1. Understanding the UNFCCC

1992
The UNFCCC
2009
Adoption of the UN Framework At COP15, parties ‘take note’
Convention on Climate Change The United Nations Framework Convention
of the Copenhagen Accord
(UNFCCC) on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an
international treaty that binds its signatories
to cooperate in limiting global temperature
increases, and in addressing the adverse
2011
1995 At COP17, parties launch the effects of unavoidable climate change. It was
First COP Durban Platform for Enhanced adopted in 1992, and entered into force in
Action to develop a protocol, 1994 (see timeline, left). There are currently
another legal instrument or an 197 parties to the UNFCCC: 196 countries
outcome with legal force by and the European Union (EU) which ratified
1997 COP21 in 2015 the Convention as a bloc.
Kyoto Protocol is adopted
Under the Convention, developed countries
2013-2020 are tasked with taking the lead in acting on
At COP18 (2012), parties adopt the climate change, given their historical
2001
Parties adopt the Marrakech
Doha Amendment of the Kyoto responsibility for causing it. These countries
Protocol; Kyoto Protocol’s second are listed in Annex I of the Convention (often
Accords at COP7, containing
commitment period referred to as ‘Annex I parties/countries’) and
important provisions on adaptation
and matters related to LDCs include members of the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) in 1992 as well as the Russian
2015
Federation and Central and Eastern European
2005 The Paris Agreement is adopted at
COP21 countries, considered at the time as
Kyoto Protocol enters into force ‘economies in transition’. Annex II countries
exclude those countries with economies in
transition. Annex II parties have commitments
The Paris under the Convention to provide finance and
2007 Agreement
Bali Roadmap adopted at COP13 to develop and share (‘transfer’) technology.
enters into
with a view to adopting a new Developing countries will often be referred
force on
climate change agreement in 2009 4 November
to as ‘non-Annex I parties/countries’
2016 (http://unfccc.int/parties_and_observers/
parties/annex_i/items/2774.php).
The full text of the UNFCCC is available
2008-2012
Kyoto Protocol’s first
in the six official UN languages online:
commitment period http://unfccc.int/essential_background/
convention/items/6036.php

6
Understanding the UNFCCC

“The ultimate objective of this Convention … Working languages

is to achieve … stabilisation of greenhouse gas The six UN languages are Arabic,
Chinese, English, French, Russian,
concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would and Spanish. All official documents,
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the such as agreement texts, decisions,
climate system. Such a level should be achieved within and reports are available in these six
languages. In plenary sessions (see
a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt page 29), simultaneous interpretation is
naturally to climate change, to ensure that food available and parties may deliver their
statements or make interventions in any
production is not threatened and to enable economic of these languages. In smaller negotiating
development to proceed in a sustainable manner.” settings — including drafting groups —
Article 2, UNFCCC English is used and no interpretation is
available. All party delegates need to be
familiar with UNFCCC terminology (and
acronyms) in English to engage effectively
in the negotiations.
The 197 parties to the Convention meet
annually for a Conference of the Parties
(COP) to agree on actions to implement
commitments. The COP is the supreme
decision making body of the UNFCCC.

For more information on

Entry into force of the UNFCCC the ratification process,
Before an international treaty can enter into force, it must be ratified by the countries involved. see: Abeysinghe and Prolo
Depositing an ‘instrument of ratification’ (in this case, to the UN Secretary General) indicates (2016) Entry into force of the
that a State has consented to be bound by a multilateral treaty and that it has completed Paris Agreement: the legal
all necessary processes at the national level to transfer the treaty to its domestic process. IIED, London.
jurisdictional system.
For more on the
terminology see:
The precise terms of entry into force are specified in the treaty. The Convention entered into Abeysinghe, A, Prolo, C,
force 90 days after the 50th party had ratified the agreement (on 21 March 1994). Tenzing, J (2015) Climate
negotiations terminology: the
pocket guide. IIED, London.

7
 Understanding the UNFCCC

The Kyoto Protocol

At the first COP, parties agreed to strengthen Currently, 192 parties to the UNFCCC are also
global cooperation to address climate change. party to the Kyoto Protocol. These parties
This led to the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in meet annually for a Conference of the Parties
1997 at COP3 in Kyoto. This legally binding serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the
treaty committed developed country parties, Kyoto Protocol (CMP), in conjunction with
as those historically responsible for the high COP sessions. The CMP is the supreme
concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) decision making body of the Kyoto Protocol.
in the atmosphere, to reduce their emissions
by an average of five per cent below 1990 The full text of the Kyoto Protocol is available
levels during the first commitment period online in the six official UN languages:
(2008–2012). The Kyoto Protocol entered into http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/
force in 2005. items/2830.php

The ‘Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol’

commits developed country parties to further
reductions in the second commitment
period (2013–2020) but has not yet
entered into force.

Entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol entered into force on the 16 February 2005, 90 days after 55 parties,
including Annex I parties representing at least 55 per cent of total CO2 emissions for 1990,
deposited their ‘instrument of ratification’ (a document, signed normally by the Head of State
or Government) with the UN. The Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period was from 2008
to 2012.

The second commitment period started in 2013 and will end in 2020. The Doha Amendment
to the Kyoto Protocol includes new commitments for developed country parties for this period,
including to reduce emissions by at least 18 per cent below 1990 levels. It also contains a
revised list of GHG emissions that they must report on. The Doha Amendment will enter into
force when 55 parties including Annex I parties representing at least 55 per cent of total CO2
emissions for 1990 ratify the amendment.

8
Understanding the UNFCCC

The Paris Agreement To strengthen the global response to climate change,

the Paris Agreement aims to:
At COP13 (2007), parties launched a work
plan, known as the Bali Roadmap, which was
supposed to lead to a new climate change (a) H
 old the increase in the global average temperature
agreement at COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009.
Due to differences of opinion, parties did not to well below 2ºC above pre-industrial levels and
adopt the ‘Copenhagen Accord’. Instead they pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to
only ‘took note’ of it.
1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels, recognising that
The failure to reach an agreement raised this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts
questions as to whether climate change of climate change
could be addressed through multilateralism
and diplomacy. But as scientific knowledge
on climate change and evidence of its impacts (b) Increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts
increased, there was growing pressure for
urgent global action.
of climate change and foster climate resilience and
low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a
Parties renewed efforts to strengthen the manner that does not threaten food production
global climate change regime at COP17 in
Durban in 2011, and set a deadline to agree
on a universal, legally binding agreement (c) Make finance flows consistent with a pathway
by 2015. The Paris Agreement was
adopted on 12 December 2015. towards low greenhouse gas emissions and
climate-resilient development.
The supreme decision-making body of the
Paris Agreement is the Conference of the
Parties Serving as the Meeting of the
Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA).
All parties that have ratified the Paris Entry into force of the Paris Agreement
Agreement are represented in the CMA. The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, the 30th
day after the day on which at least 55 parties accounting for at least
The full text of the Paris Agreement is 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions deposited their
available in the six official UN languages instrument of ratification.
online: http://unfccc.int/paris_agreement/
items/9485.php

9
 Understanding the UNFCCC

1.1 Negotiation sessions

The purpose of the negotiation sessions is The CMA convened for the first time in
for parties to regularly review implementation conjunction with COP22 and CMP12 in
of the Convention and the other legal Marrakech, after entering into force on
instruments adopted. The COP, CMP and 4 November 2016. The CMA adopts
CMA adopt decisions to ensure progress decisions to advance the implementation
in implementing commitments. of the Paris Agreement.

Each year, one party is elected to serve

COP/CMP/CMA as COP/CMP/CMA president, with the
presidency rotating between the five UN
Before the COP session The COP meets annually, usually in November regional groups (the African Group, the
there is a preparatory week or December, with each session numbered. Asia-Pacific Group, the Eastern European
for negotiating groups So the first ever Conference of the Parties, Group, the Latin American and the Caribbean
to meet (see page 26)
held in Berlin in 1995, was COP1. Recent Group, and the Western Europe and Others
COPs are often referred to by the city Group). The country that holds the presidency
where they took place in. will usually also host the COP/CMP/CMA
(referred to simply as the ‘COP’), with the
The CMP has met alongside the COP since session scheduled over two weeks.
2005, when the Kyoto Protocol entered into
force. The CMP adopts decisions on issues
to advance the implementation of the
Kyoto Protocol.

Not all parties to the UNFCCC are party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Parties to the UNFCCC that are not party to the Kyoto Protocol may NEPAL
attend and participate at CMP meetings but cannot take part in
decision making. The United States and Canada are not party to the CANADA
Kyoto Protocol. One way to tell if a party has not ratified the Kyoto
Protocol is by looking at their name plate: countries that are party to
both have black name plates with white font, and those which are
party only to the UNFCCC have white name plates with black font.

10
Understanding the UNFCCC

Recent sessions

COP session CMP session CMA session Date Venue

COP15 CMP5 December 2009 Copenhagen, Denmark

COP16 CMP6 December 2010 Cancún, Mexico

COP17 CMP7 December 2011 Durban, South Africa

COP18 CMP8 December 2012 Doha, Qatar

COP19 CMP9 November 2013 Warsaw, Poland

COP20 CMP10 December 2014 Lima, Peru

COP21 CMP11 November-December Paris, France

2015
COP22 CMP12 CMA1 November 2016 Marrakech, Morocco

Participating in CMA discussions

On 5 October 2016, 74 parties to the Convention accounting for 58.82 per cent of the total
global GHG emissions had ratified the Paris Agreement, triggering its entry into force 30 days
later, on 4 November 2016. The CMA therefore convened its first session in conjunction with
COP22, in November 2016.

As with the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, parties can still ratify the Paris Agreement
after its entry into force and be part of the CMA’s subsequent meetings. If they do not, they
can participate in CMA discussions but cannot take part in the decision-making process to
implement the Agreement.

11
 Decision-making bodies under the UNFCCC

Conference of the Parties (COP)

Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP)
Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA)

Bureau

Permanent
subsidiary
Subsidiary Body for Scientific Subsidiary Body for
bodies
and Technological Advice (SBSTA) Implementation (SBI)

Convention Bodies Kyoto Protocol Bodies

Ad Hoc Working Group on

the Paris Agreement (APA) Compliance Committee

Adaptation Committee (AC) Executive Board of the Clean

Development Mechanism (CDM-EB)
Standing Committee on Finance (SCF)
Joint Implementation Supervisory
Executive Committee of the Warsaw Committee (JISC)
International Mechanism for Loss and Damage
Adaptation Fund Board (AFB)
Paris Committee on Capacity-Building

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Technology Executive Commitee (TEC)
Financial Mechanism
Technology Mechanism Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Advisory Board of the Climate
Technology Centre & Network (CTCN)

Special Climate Change (SCFF)

Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications Other financial
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (CGE) arrangements
Expert Groups
Adaptation Fund (AF)
Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)

United Nations Framework Convention on

Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat

12 Source: http://unfccc.int/bodies/items/6241.php 13
 Understanding the UNFCCC

Subsidiary bodies
There are two permanent subsidiary bodies The SBI and SBSTA also work jointly on
to the Convention: the Subsidiary Body cross-cutting issues. For instance, the COP
for Implementation (SBI) and the recently mandated both bodies to work
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and together on reviewing the adequacy of a
Technological Advice (SBSTA) which previously agreed long-term global goal to hold
support the COP, CMP and CMA. These global average temperature increase below 2ºC
meet in parallel, twice a year: once in Bonn, above pre-industrial levels. Following the review,
Germany, at the seat of the UNFCCC the COP decided to strengthen this long-term
secretariat, typically in May or June (this is goal by mandating parties to pursue efforts to
commonly referred to as an ‘intersessional’ limit the temperature increase to 1.5ºC above
or ‘SB session’), and in conjunction with the pre-industrial levels (Decision 10/CP.21).
annual COP sessions. This more ambitious long-term global goal is
reflected in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.
The SBI supports the COP, CMP and CMA
in ensuring parties are making progress on A number of other bodies, institutions and
implementing their commitments under the ad hoc working groups have been set up to
Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the provide additional support. Unlike the two
Paris Agreement (including past decisions). subsidiary bodies, these are not always
Items on the SBI agenda include National permanent. The COP, CMP or CMA
Adaptation Plans (NAPs), matters related to (depending on who established these bodies,
least developed countries, and gender and institutions or working groups) is tasked to
climate change, among other issues. The SBI consider whether their mandate should be
chairmanship rotates among the five UN renewed every few years.
regional groups.
Preparatory meetings The COP, CMP or CMA usually specifies the
are also held before The SBSTA supports the COP, CMP and CMA criteria for membership and frequency of
SB sessions by providing timely information and advice on meetings of these bodies. Some bodies, such
scientific and technological matters. Agenda as the Adaptation Committee or the Least
items include methods for financial reporting Developed Countries Expert Group, have
by Annex I parties, mechanisms that can be limited membership. Ad hoc working groups
used to implement the agreements (eg the under the COP, CMP or CMA are usually
Clean Development Mechanism introduced set up to launch a process where all countries
under the Kyoto Protocol), or issues related to (that are party to the Convention, the Kyoto
agriculture, for example. As with the SBI, the Protocol or the Paris Agreement) are involved,
SBSTA chairmanship rotates among the five and are given a clear mandate and timeframe
UN regional groups. to complete their work.

14
Understanding the UNFCCC

Examples of other bodies or institutions under

the Convention:

-  daptation Committee
A
- Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
- Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)
- Standing Committee on Finance (SCF)
- Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated
with Climate Change Impacts (WIM).

Examples of ad hoc working groups:

 d Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention

-A
(AWG-LCA): set up to conduct a comprehensive process to enable the full, effective
and sustained implementation of the Convention up to and beyond 2012, in order to
reach an agreed outcome for adoption at COP15 in 2009

 d Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP): set up to
-A
develop a protocol, another legal instrument or an outcome with legal force by COP21
in 2015

 d Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA): set up to prepare for the entry
-A
into force of the Paris Agreement.

The COP established the Ad Hoc Working Parties may decide there is a need for ad hoc
Group on the Paris Agreement (APA) at working groups to meet outside of the COP or
COP21. It is chaired by one representative SB sessions. For example, in 2015, the ADP
from an Annex I party and another from a met for a week in February, August-September
non-Annex I party. and October, as well as during the SB session
and COP.

15
 2. Before you leave

Registration A typical delegation structure

Each party appoints at least one person as There is no maximum (or minimum) number of
their UNFCCC ‘National Focal Point’. The people in a party delegation. Some parties, in
Focal Point is responsible for communicating particular from least developed countries
the names of the people nominated to be in (LDCs) and small island developing states
that country’s delegation to the UNFCCC (SIDS) may have only one, two or three people
secretariat. In principle, the focal point must do on their delegation (the UNFCCC secretariat
this before the start of a session (even for typically funds three delegates from each
ministers), but he/she can also add names to LDC or SIDS party for COPs, and one to two
the delegation during a session. Once delegates for other sessions). Other parties
nominated, delegates should automatically may have 80 to 130 delegates. Occasionally
receive a letter of acknowledgement (by email) even more. Delegates are usually government
from the secretariat. officials, but there may also be non-
government representatives (for instance,
A list of all UNFCCC Most, if not all delegates attend a ‘preparatory from local NGOs, international organisations,
national focal points week’ (see page 26) ahead of the official start law firms or academia) who provide technical
can be found online at: of the COP and SB meetings. support. Whether these delegates are allowed
http://unfccc.int/parties_
to negotiate on behalf of the party depends on
observers/parties/
national_focal_points/
When you arrive at the venue (or when you the delegation.
items/9336.php arrive at the start of the official session), you
will need to show your passport and All parties have one Head of Delegation.
Party delegations tend acknowledgement letter at the registration At COPs, and sometimes at SB sessions,
to be larger for major desk. You will then be given a badge which ministers will join the delegation, usually for
conferences such as must be worn at all times, with your name, the ‘high-level segment’. Heads of States or
COP15 and COP21.
photo and country delegation. The secretariat Governments will typically attend major
Communications from
scans your badge whenever you enter and meetings, such as COP15 in Copenhagen
the secretariat: exit the venue. and COP21 in Paris.
Information from the
UNFCCC secretariat to As a member of a party delegation, you will
parties (eg election of be given a pink badge. Your Head of Delegation
officers, submissions) are will have a red badge. Participants from
available on the Notifications
observer organisations have yellow badges,
page on the UNFCCC
website: http://unfccc.int/
representatives of UN entities have blue
parties_and_observers/ badges and members of intergovernmental
notifications/items/ organisations have green badges.
3153.php
The focal point is not necessarily the Head
of Delegation.

16
Before you leave

2.1 Preparing for your first session

Be familiar with the texts of

the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol
and Paris Agreement
The UNFCCC process is notorious for using
jargon and an alphabet soup of acronyms.
Parties will refer to specific sections of the  recautionary principle: parties
-P
Convention, Kyoto Protocol and Paris should take precautionary measures to
Agreement simply by the article number or anticipate, prevent or minimise the
even by the paragraph numbers within articles, causes of climate change and mitigate
or by acronyms. To prepare for this, save the its adverse effects. It further states that
text of the Convention, Kyoto Protocol and where there are threats of serious or
Paris Agreement in an easily accessible irreversible damage, lack of full scientific
place on your laptop or tablet, or carry certainty should not be used for
printed copies with you. postponing such measures.

Convention jargon buster: - Article 4: contains parties’ commitments

under the UNFCCC
- Article 2: this Article contains the ultimate
objective of the UNFCCC (see page 7)  rticle 4.8: this paragraph recognises
-A
the specific needs and concerns of some
- Article 3: Principles of the Convention, developing countries, such as small island
including: countries, countries with low-lying coastal
areas, and countries with arid and semi-
 quity and common but
-E arid areas
differentiated responsibilities and
respective capabilities (CBDR-RC): - Article 4.9: recognises the specific needs
this principle acknowledges that and special situations of LDCs
developed country parties should take
the lead in combating climate change  rticle 6: refers to enhancing education,
-A
and its adverse effects training, public awareness and public
participation on climate change. This issue
- Intergenerational equity: that parties is now also covered under Article 12 of the
should protect the climate system for the Paris Agreement, but you may still find it
benefit of present and future generations referred to as ‘Article 6 of the Convention’
or simply, ‘Article 6’.
17
 Before you leave

Paris Agreement: what are the issues?

Most negotiators follow specific issues in the talks — so it helps to

know where to find your issue. These are the issues covered under
the articles of the Paris Agreement.

Article 1: Definitions Article 4: Mitigation

Definitions given in Article 1 of the Convention Mitigation means reducing greenhouse

apply to the Paris Agreement. gas emissions.

Article 2: The purpose of the Article 5: GHG sinks and

Paris Agreement reservoirs, REDD+

(see quote on page 7). GHG sinks and reservoirs such as biomass,
forests and oceans absorb more GHG than
they release; REDD+ is a framework under
Article 3: Nationally the UNFCCC relating to reducing emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation
Determined Contributions
and the role of conservation, sustainable
(NDCs) management of forests and enhancement of
forest carbon stocks in developing countries.
NDCs are the actions that each party puts
forward as their contribution to the collective
effort to achieve the Paris Agreement’s
Article 6: Cooperative
purpose. The Paris Agreement commits all
parties to communicate NDCs every five years, (market and non-market)
and to increase ambition. They cover efforts approaches
to reduce GHG emissions, and can include
actions related to adaptation, finance, Cooperative approaches are voluntary
technology development and transfer, capacity ways parties can work together towards
building and transparency. Prior to COP21, achieving more ambitious mitigation or
most parties put forward intended nationally adaptation outcomes.
determined contributions (INDCs); once a
party has ratified the Paris Agreement, its
INDC becomes its first NDC, unless it
specifies otherwise.

18
Before you leave

Article 7: Adaptation Article 12: Education,

training, public awareness
Efforts to adapt and build resilience to the and public participation
impacts of climate change.
See: ‘Article 6 of the Convention’

Article 8: Loss and Damage

Article 13: Transparency
Loss and damage associated with the
of action and support
adverse effects of climate change involves
the inevitable or residual impacts of climate
change that could/have not been avoided
through current mitigation and adaptation Article 14: Global stocktake
efforts.
The global stocktake refers to a process to
periodically take stock of the implementation
of the Paris Agreement in order to assess the
Article 9: Finance
collective progress towards achieving its
purpose and long-term goals.

Article 10: Technology

development and transfer Article 15: Facilitating
implementation
Promoting technology development
and compliance
and transfer is seen as a way to help
developing countries mitigate and adapt
This is to ensure that parties implement
to climate change while pursuing their
what they have said they will do.
poverty eradication and sustainable
development efforts.

Article 11: Capacity-building

For more information on
the Paris Agreement see:
This refers to building the capacity of Sharma, A, Schwarte, C, Müller,
developing countries to address and respond B, Abeysinghe, A, Barakat, S
to climate change. (2015) Pocket guide to the
Paris Agreement. ECBI,
London.

19
 Before you leave

Scheduling
Negotiations frequently take place in
parallel and it is impossible for one person, ‘Scenario notes’ and ‘reflection notes’
or even for a small delegation to be present are sometimes provided by the co-chairs
in all discussions. of an ad hoc body to summarise what they
propose or envisage to progress
The secretariat tries to manage meeting discussions at the upcoming session
schedules so that negotiators following a (a scenario note) or their perspective
particular issue (eg finance) are not expected on discussions at the previous session
to be in two (or more) places at once. (a reflection note). While these types of
papers have no legal status, it’s a good
idea to read them if you are following the
Check what’s happened so far negotiations under that body. Parties will
almost certainly react to them, either in
If you already know which themes, agenda bilateral meetings with the co-chairs that
items or sub-items you will follow, it’s a good prepared the note, with other parties, and/
idea to look up what has been previously or in one of the first meetings of that body
agreed on the issue(s) in question, including when the official session starts.
past COP/CMP/CMA decisions as well as
draft conclusions from the SBI or SBSTA.
Keeping these documents on file will also Get to know the
come in handy if you’ll be involved in drafting
new decisions on that issue.
UNFCCC website
Essential information for delegates will be
Know the position of your delegation, passed to each party’s designated focal point
and if applicable, the negotiating bloc but is also available on the UNFCCC website
your delegation belongs to. Look at (www.unfccc.int — click on ‘UNFCCC
past statements and submissions by your Process and Meetings’, see illustration on right).
delegation (available on the UNFCCC
website) and, if applicable, the negotiating The full texts of the Convention, the Kyoto
bloc(s) it belongs to and associates itself with. Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and previous
These are also available on the UNFCCC COP, CMP and CMA decisions are all available
website. (see page 23) for information on online, as well as provisional agendas ahead of
negotiating blocs). meetings and relevant reports.

20
 There are also statements made by parties During COP, a daily schedule of meetings
and observers, and links to the portal for is published online, and there are regular
country submissions as well as for INDCs. news updates.
The interim registry for NDCs is on the front
page of the website. Information on logistics (travel to the venue,
maps, accommodation, etc.) can also be
found there.

United Nations
Framework Convention
on Climate Change

The Convention
Meetings
Kyoto Protocol

Paris Agreement

Documents and
Decisions

NDC registry

Logistics Schedule of
Meetings

21
 Preparing for your first session

2.2 Practical tips: be prepared

Be prepared for Bring comfortable shoes

early mornings, long (and a bag with wheels)
nights and odd
negotiating times As the UNFCCC process grows, so do the
conference venues! COP venues are huge and
The ‘official’ meeting times are 10–1pm, it’s safe to assume you’ll be doing a lot of
3–6pm, and sometimes 7–9pm. However, walking from one place to the next, during the
the negotiating blocs you belong to may day and throughout the session.
have coordination meetings between these
sessions (usually starting at 8am), and Check the weather
‘informals’ may go on well after 9pm
and outside
(see section 5.1 for more information
on types of meetings). temperatures

COP sessions can be hectic, particularly This may seem obvious, but keep in mind that
during the second week ‘crunch time’ when you could be negotiating through the night. It
everyone is trying to finalise decisions before may be summer at 3pm but much cooler
the closing of the COP. It’s not unusual for outside at 3am. Delegates at COP13 in Bali
meetings to be reconvened at 2am and to last were invited to dress down because of the
until 6am, only to start again at 8am. high temperatures. Air conditioning can be
fierce — or non-existent!
Be aware that COPs often
overrun by as much as Bring snacks,
CHO
a day or two re-usable water C
bottles, chocolate
This is frustrating for planning travel, and has
obvious financial implications. Some delegates whatever you need
are able to change their travel plans at short to keep you going
notice, or plan their trip so that they leave two
days after the scheduled closing of the COP. You’ll want these throughout the day, but
However, this is not possible for everyone especially during those late nights when
(mainly an option for funded delegates) — cafeterias at the venue are closed or out of
discuss this with your delegation/office. food and drinks!

22
3. Who’s who

3.1 A guide to the negotiating groups

LDC countries:
Negotiations under the UNFCCC are held The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Afghanistan Lesotho
between parties, but while each party has a also negotiate as a bloc. Members are Angola Liberia
national ‘position’, parties can also negotiate as categorised as ‘least developed’ according to Bangladesh Madagascar
part of a group. There are a number of country the UN (criteria includes income, economic Benin Malawi
groupings within the UNFCCC process, some vulnerability to external shocks, human assets, Bhutan Mali
overlapping. These country coalitions usually etc.). There are currently 48 LDCs. The LDCs Burkina Faso Mauritania
share common interests, or in some cases negotiate as a group in the wider UN system, Burundi Mozambique
common circumstances (eg physical as well as within the UNFCCCC, but with a Cambodia Myanmar
characteristics, vulnerability, etc.). different chair. The vast majority of LDCs are
Central Nepal
also members of the G77 and China African Niger
Negotiating as part of a group gives parties a (ldcclimate.wordpress.com). Republic Rwanda
stronger voice. Group members also support Chad São Tomé
one another (in the negotiations and in the The 40 Small Island Developing States Comoros and Príncipe
corridors). Negotiating as part of a larger group (SIDS) are also recognised as a group by the Democratic Senegal
is particularly helpful for small delegations that UN. All of the SIDS, except for Bahrain, Republic of Sierra Leone
cannot follow all the issues and meetings negotiate as the Alliance of Small Island Congo
Solomon
happening in parallel. States (AOSIS). The Alliance also includes Djibouti Islands
island entities that are not UN member states, Equatorial Somalia
Parties can still take the floor in their own such as Niue. AOSIS is a recognised Guinea
South Sudan
right, particularly if their national position is not negotiating bloc in other UN processes. Nine Eritrea
fully reflected in their group’s position. If LDCs belong to AOSIS, and most AOSIS Sudan
Ethiopia
members of a group do not agree on a members belong to the G77 and China Tanzania
Gambia
position, then there is no ‘group position’ on (www.aosis.org). Timor Leste
Guinea
the issue in question. Togo
Guinea-
The Africa Group (AG), or African Group Bissau Tuvalu
The largest negotiating bloc is the Group of of Negotiators (AGN) is the only UN regional Haiti Uganda
77 and China (G77 and China), which has group that negotiates as a bloc. Made up of Kiribati Vanuatu
134 members, mainly from developing 54 countries, the AG negotiates as a group Lao People’s Yemen
countries. The G77 and China also negotiates across UN processes. There are 34 LDCs in Democratic Zambia
in other UN processes, including in New York. the Africa Group, and all are part of the G77 Republic
The chairmanship rotates every year; whichever and China.
country is chair of the G77 and China in New
York also chairs the G77 and China under the The Arab Group, which includes 21 parties, is
UNFCCC process (www.g77.org). also part of the G77 and China.

23
 Who’s who

European Union (EU) members also form a - Coalition for Rainforest Nations:
negotiating bloc, and the EU is also a party to made up of 40+ countries with the three
the Convention. While other groups will have largest tropical forest areas — Amazonia,
one country (the chair) speaking on behalf of Congo Basin and New Guinea
their group, the EU has its own seat and party (www.rainforestcoalition.org)
flag to use when it wants to make a statement
or intervene. - Environmental Integrity Group (EIG):
Mexico, Liechtenstein, Monaco, the Republic
Other country groupings, including some that of Korea and Switzerland. The OECD
are unique to the UNFCCC process, are members of this group came together
outlined below: in 2000 because they did not share the
positions of the Umbrella Group (see below);
- The Independent Alliance of Latin they were joined later by Liechtenstein
America and the Caribbean (AILAC): and Monaco
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala,
Panama, Paraguay, Peru (www.ailac.org) - Like-Minded Developing Countries
(LMDCs): Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia,
- The Bolivarian Alliance for the Cuba, China, Democratic Republic of the
Peoples of our America (ALBA): Congo, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Salvador, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya,
Nicaragua, Venezuela Malaysia, Mali, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria,
- BASIC: Brazil, South Africa, China, India Venezuela. The LMDCs are all members
of the G77 and China
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM):
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, - Umbrella Group: A coalition of non-EU
Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, developed countries. While there is no formal
Jamaica, Monserrat, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and list, the Umbrella Group is usually made up of
Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Australia, Canada, Japan,
Find more information on
Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago New Zealand, Norway, the Russian
the negotiating groups
on the UNFCCC website:
(www.caricom.org) Federation and the US.
http://unfccc.int/parties_
and_observers/parties/
negotiating_groups/
items/2714.php

24
Who’s who

3.2 Who’s who in the COP process

The UNFCCC process is supported by the a minister (usually of foreign affairs, or Ensuring regional balance:
UNFCCC secretariat — a permanent staff of environment) as COP president (and the Each of the five UN regional
some 500, who ensure meetings run smoothly nominee is subsequently elected by the groups has two representatives
in the bureau, plus one member
from a logistical point of view, and who provide COP). The president provides political
from AOSIS. The president and
technical expertise and support to all parties leadership and ensures progress is the rapporteur rotate among
and Convention bodies (as mandated or made in the negotiations. He/she must the five regional groups.
requested). The secretariat also manages also ensure the process is inclusive
side events and the participation of observer and transparent, carrying out regular
and intergovernmental organisations. consultations with parties. The president
cannot negotiate as a representative of
The head of the secretariat is the executive his or her party.
secretary, Patricia Espinosa (Mexico),
who took over from Christiana Figueres The SBI chair and SBSTA chair preside
(Costa Rica) in July 2016. over the meetings of the SBI and SBSTA,
respectively. Normally two co-chairs are
The secretariat does not play a part in the nominated and elected to oversee ad hoc
negotiations, but is there to support the bodies such as the APA — one from an
process and the parties. It also holds Annex I party and one from a non-Annex I
essential institutional memory about the party, usually following the system of regional
UNFCCC process. rotation. The SB chairs and co-chairs of ad
hoc bodies act under the authority of the
Each COP is run by the COP/CMP/CMA COP/CMP/CMA and are guided by the
Bureau. This is made up of 11 elected COP president. They play an important
‘officers’, including the COP/CMP/CMA role in ensuring that their parts of the
president, seven vice-presidents, the SBI negotiations move forward, consulting
chair, the SBSTA chair and the rapporteur frequently with parties.
(who communicates the report on the
proceedings of meetings). Bureau members Observer organisations also attend
also assist the COP president in exercising the UNFCCC conferences. They can be
his or her functions. UN entities (they have blue badges) or other
intergovernmental organisations (with green
The COP president controls proceedings, badges), or non-governmental organisations
under the authority of the COP/CMP/CMA. (who have yellow badges). Observer
The country that hosts the COP (and/or organisations must be accredited to attend a
holds the presidency) will normally nominate UNFCCC session.

25
 4. Before COP starts

4.1 Prep meetings

In the week before the official start of COP Other negotiating blocs or country coalitions
meetings and SB sessions, the UNFCCC may also hold preparatory meetings, but make
secretariat allocates time and space for their own arrangements.
‘pre-sessional’, or ‘preparatory’ meetings for
four developing country negotiating blocs: Groups decide what is discussed at the
the Africa Group, LDCs, SIDS (or AOSIS) and preparatory meetings. The group chair
G77 and China. These meetings are closed, will normally propose an agenda and members
meaning that only party delegates in these will make amendments or suggest other items
groups can attend. for discussion at the start of the meeting.

Each group is given two days to meet Usually, the chair asks lead negotiators
ahead of COP/SB sessions, and one day (or ‘coordinators’) to update the group on
ahead of shorter sessions such as those thematic negotiation issues or specific agenda
of ad hoc bodies. items. The meeting will discuss aspects that
are important for the group, potential
The ‘coordinator’ has a difficulties, and perhaps share insights on
mandate from a group other parties’ positions.
Typical schedule of
to speak on behalf of
all its members at the preparatory meetings
The preparatory meetings are an important
negotiations on the issue
prior to COPs/SBs: opportunity for groups to discuss what
in question and so leads
negotiations on that issue: their positions should be on the issues
The coordinator can be a - Tuesday–Wednesday: LDC Group being negotiated as well as their
representative of any party negotiating strategy.
that is a member of the group.
Other group members - Thursday–Friday: AGN, SIDS These meetings can also be used to assign
may provide support. (in parallel) members of the group to follow specific
The coordinator is expected
to regularly report back to
thematic issues and form negotiating teams.
the chair and group members - Saturday–Sunday: G77 and China These are led by the coordinator for that issue
on progress, and to seek who speaks on behalf of the group during
guidance and inputs from the negotiations.
- Monday: Start of official session.
the group.

26
4.2 Arriving at COP

COP sessions are held once a year, usually ‘Pavilions’ seem to become more impressive Finding the rooms:
in November or December, bringing together with every COP. These are spaces within the Printed maps showing the
some 20,000 delegates or more to make venue, paid for by either a party delegation layout of the rooms are
normally available — and are
progress on achieving the aims of or group of parties to showcase climate
displayed around the venue.
the UNFCCC. actions in their country or region, for example. Signs indicate the way to the
They are usually open to all delegates, and main meeting rooms, and all
may provide a space to meet informally, rooms usually have their name
Finding your way around or find publications, ‘freebies’, or a space to on the door. The host country
relax. Some have restricted areas used for often arranges for volunteers
COPs take place in large, often temporary bilateral meetings or as private offices. to help delegates find their
way around.
conference venues, sometimes spread across Others may host side-events.
different buildings or halls. Transport from the
hotel to the venue is normally arranged by the
host country and information is available on Arriving for subsidiary Lockers:
the website.
body sessions There are lockers and coat
racks on the lower ground floor
The venues usually have various meeting of the building; you need a €1
rooms and spaces, including large plenary Subsidiary body (SB) sessions are coin for the lockers.
halls, delegation offices, ‘pavilions’, usually held in Bonn, Germany, at the
exhibition areas and booths where observer World Conference Centre Bonn (WCCB) — Sneak preview:
organisations share publications, and of or ‘UN Campus’. Most of the meeting rooms Maps of the WCCB/UN
campus are available online:
course, places to buy food and coffee. are named after cities where there are
www.worldccbonn.com/en/
There will also be a computer area, printers, UN offices (in German). venues/plenary-building/
and access to wifi. overall-facility-plans.html

Some party delegates have offices (organised

and paid for via the secretariat or host
country). The secretariat usually provides an
office for the chairs of the LDCs, SIDS and
Africa Group, as well as the G77 and China.

27
 Before COP starts

What’s going on where?

The business for the day is contained in a UNFCCC negotiator app
daily programme, issued by the secretariat
and available on the website the night before
or in the early hours of the morning. It’s helpful
to go through this to get a sense of what
meetings will be held that day (for example
official side-events, receptions, press
Live meeting updates: conferences, etc).
Click on ‘Schedule of meetings’
and then ‘Live meetings As the day unfolds, this programme is likely
schedule’ on the right hand
to change (with extra formal and informal
column of the main UNFCCC News Alerts

meetings page. Don’t forget

meetings added to the schedule) — meetings
to refresh the page to check may also be cancelled, and rooms and times
for updates. may change. Schedule Docs

You can get the most up-to-date

Social Logistics
information about when and where media
meetings are taking place online.
Webcast Website Share

There are also screens around the venue

with updated schedules. Negotiator

Tip: Be aware that some meetings may not appear

A useful new tool is the on the daily programme or elsewhere. These
UNFCCC negotiator app, include ‘informal’ meetings like spin-off groups
available free on Google and or drafting groups (see page 31).
iTunes. This provides up-to-
date information about where
and when meetings are taking
place, logistics and other
information and alerts when
new documents are issued.

28
5. A guide to the negotiations

5.1 What to expect from different meetings

There are many different types of meetings, A session usually begins with an opening Statements:
and these vary in terms of length, how open plenary (of the COP, CMP, CMA and/or other Statements for plenary
they are, and whether interpretation will be body) and remarks from the current COP sessions are usually
prepared and read out.
available, among other things. Some are president, incoming COP president, and the
Group statements will have
considered ‘formal’ and others ‘informal’ executive secretary of the UNFCCC been carefully crafted and
— both are part of the negotiating process. secretariat. Parties will then adopt the agenda, agreed by all group members
Other meetings, such as coordination and deal with other procedural matters such before they are delivered by
meetings and bilaterals, are important as electing officers for the COP bureau. the chair or spokesperson.
as well. We look at these four broad types The COP president (who chairs COP/CMP/ Statements are usually
of meeting in turn below. CMA plenaries) or the relevant chair of the made available on the
UNFCCC website after
body may make proposals regarding the
the session.
session and parties may respond. Finally,
Formal meetings the president will invite parties, followed The order:
by observers, to deliver statements. The order in which parties take
Plenary the floor depends on a certain
Plenary meetings are open to all, protocol — groups speak first,
including observer organisations and media Draft Rules of followed by individual parties (if
they wish to speak). The Group
representatives (although there are usually Procedure:
of 77 and China, as the largest
restrictions on where they can sit). Plenaries group, is given the opportunity
take place in a large hall with country flags The opening session of the COP will to speak first if it has asked for
arranged in alphabetical order. There are always include a short segment to the floor.
normally four seats per party (two at the table, consider the Draft Rules of Procedure.
two behind), and seating at the back for others. This is because the Rules of Interventions:
Interpretation is usually available, so parties Procedure of the UNFCCC have not Delegates can make
can take the floor or listen to speakers in any been formally adopted. Although the ‘interventions’ in response to
what has been said. These
of the six UN languages. Draft Rules of Procedure (contained in
are not prepared in advance
FCCC/CP/1996/2) are applied, and while they may be made
Each body has to meet in plenary in order to parties have never been able to agree in plenary, they are more
adopt agendas, agree on other procedural on Rule 42, which deals with voting on common in smaller meetings.
matters, and adopt decisions or conclusions. substantive matters. Consequently, all
This is because all parties must be included. decisions on substantive matters
Two plenaries will not usually take place at under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol
the same time. and Paris Agreement require
consensus to be adopted.

29
 A guide to the negotiations

‘Suspend’ and ‘close’: The COP president or chair of a body may call
When the Ad Hoc Body on the for one or more stocktaking meetings over Point of order:
Durban Platform for Enhanced the course of the session, bringing parties
Action (ADP) met leading up to together to assess progress on a certain issue. A delegate may at any time
COP21, the co-chairs decided Parties may ask the president or chair for an (in plenary or other formal and
to ‘suspend’ the meetings at
alternative way forward. These stocktakes informal meetings) raise a ‘point of
the end of each session rather
than ‘close’ them, so that usually also take place in plenary. order’ by asking for the floor and
meetings at the following making a ‘T’ sign with his or her
session could resume more The closing plenary is usually when country placard or hands. A point of
promptly without having to formal decisions or conclusions are agreed. order is usually raised for procedural
adopt a new agenda. The decision texts or draft conclusions matters, for example, regarding how
are negotiated in smaller meetings and the meeting is being conducted — it
then forwarded to the COP president (or cannot be about a substantive issue in
SB/ad hoc body chair) and subsequently the negotiations. Whoever is chairing
adopted at (usually) the closing plenary. the meeting must immediately give the
The closing plenary will often also include floor to the delegate raising the point
remarks by the COP president and executive of order, and decide how to proceed.
secretary, as well as statements by parties
and observers.

30
A guide to the negotiations

Contact group
The COP/CMP/CMA (or SB) often decides in There is usually no interpretation available for Need to know:
plenary that certain agenda items or sub-items contact group meetings. Negotiations take Informal meetings are not
merit further discussion because they are place in English and negotiating text is always listed in the daily programme
and won’t always appear on
likely to lead to a COP decision, either at the drafted in English. Translations of draft
the screens (especially if they
current session or imminently. These decisions and conclusions are issued shortly are convened shortly before
discussions usually take place in a smaller before they are adopted or approved. taking place). They are
setting, called a contact group. Two people announced in the larger
are usually asked to facilitate each contact meeting (eg the contact
group — one representative from an Annex I Informal meetings (‘informals’) group) and normally also
party and another from a non-Annex I party. via email. Make sure the
delegates facilitating the
The contact group comes up with a text — It’s also possible that one of the SB chairs
contact groups or informal
for example, a draft decision or conclusion introduces an agenda item at plenary and meetings on the items you
— which it then forwards to the respective proposes that it be discussed through follow (or the members of
plenary (COP, CMP, CMA or subsidiary body) informal consultations, without convening the secretariat supporting
to be formally adopted (if it’s a draft decision) a contact group. This is usually done if it’s these groups) have your
or approved (if it’s a draft conclusion). Draft not absolutely clear from past decisions or email address. They will
conclusions sometimes include a draft of a conclusions that discussions on this item typically circulate a mailing
list at the first meeting on
decision recommended to the COP/CMP/ will lead to a new COP/CMP/CMA decision.
that agenda item.
CMA for adoption; after the conclusions have These informal consultations may result in
been approved in the SB plenary, the draft SB conclusions, with a recommendation for Non-papers:
decision is forwarded to the COP, CMP or further discussion, prior to (ideally) adopting Any party (including the chair
CMA plenary for adoption. a decision at specified COP session. of a body) may produce and
These meetings can look similar to contact circulate ‘non-papers’ during
Contact groups are open to all parties, but groups (with two appointed co-facilitators, sessions, normally with the
intention of helping to move
not always to observers. The co-facilitators and parties represented around a table and
discussions forward. These are
of the contact group normally make this clear sitting behind country flags). informal documents that do not
to all parties before a meeting. Observer have a legal status. Parties may
organisations are normally allowed to attend choose to consider them in
the first and final contact group meetings. the negotiations or not refer
to them at all.

31
 A guide to the negotiations

Informal informals: Some of the agenda items or sub-items The reason for all these informals — and
Sometimes, there is a need discussed by contact groups may need further why so many meetings during COP and SB
for even further informal focused discussion, especially if there is an sessions happen in parallel — has mainly to do
discussion among parties to issue that parties are having difficulty with the fact that negotiations are so time-
overcome a deadlock in the agreeing on. The co-facilitators of the contact sensitive. No more than six ‘formal’ meetings
negotiations. In such cases,
the co-facilitators of the
group may suggest that parties meet can be scheduled to take place in parallel.
contact group may suggest outside the contact group to try to find Decisions or conclusions must be reached
that the parties concerned a way forward. before the end of the session — and because
meet, without anyone there are so many agenda items (around 100
necessarily facilitating the These additional meetings are sometimes at COPs) and because many delegates follow
discussion (parties will typically also called informal consultations, or multiple items, there’s only so much formal
do away with country flags spin-off groups. The co-facilitators or meeting time and space each item can be
and will refer to one another
by name) to try to reach a
one of the parties involved will usually give given. More time to negotiate does not
compromise. These meetings a brief summary of what was discussed at necessarily mean better outcomes.
are commonly referred to as the next contact group session, to bring
‘informal informals’. Again, everyone up to speed. Summary: Contact groups and informals take
whatever is discussed here place for each body in the negotiations. All the
gets reported back to the Similarly, if parties in the contact group outcomes of contact group and informal
larger contact group setting. are having difficulty agreeing on an aspect negotiations will be forwarded to the
of their draft text (it could be a paragraph), corresponding plenary.
the co-facilitators may suggest that interested
parties meet in an informal drafting group. Remember, the COP, CMP and CMA, are the
The drafting group works to come up with supreme decision making bodies of the
bridging language (ie. language that is Convention, Kyoto Protocol and Paris
acceptable to all sides), which it presents Agreement; so whatever is approved at one of
to the contact group for parties to approve the SB plenaries will usually also be forwarded
(or amend). to the COP, CMP or CMA plenary for approval
(see hierarchy diagram opposite).

32
Hierarchy of meetings

Coordination meetings, bilaterals, consultations, side events, etc.

APA plenary SBSTA
SBI plenary plenary
(Ad hoc
(agrees on (agrees on
body
conclusions) conclusions)
under COP)
Reports to

Contact groups Contact groups Contact groups

Informals Informals Informals

Mandated events Mandated events Mandated events

Meanwhile
COP plenary CMP plenary CMA plenary
(adopts (adopts (adopts
decisions) decisions) decisions)

Reports to

Contact groups Contact groups Contact groups

Informals Informals Informals

Mandated events Mandated events Mandated events

Note:
- There can be joint plenaries (eg COP-CMP or SBI-SBSTA) to consider an agenda
item relevant for both bodies.
- Ad Hoc bodies can be established under the COP, CMP or CMA. They report back
to their corresponding body which adopts decisions on its work.
- For information on mandated events, see page 39.

33
 A guide to the negotiations

Top tips: Coordination meetings Bilaterals

Make friends! Staying well
informed through networking Group coordination meetings are held daily A party or a group may request a bilateral
is critical to being a good
throughout COPs and at SB meetings. They meeting with another delegation or country
negotiator. Also, while the
negotiations can be tense,
are open to group members and provide an grouping. This can be to clarify their position
bilateral friendships can help opportunity to update on what is happening in and interests, to find areas of convergence or
build bridges and resolve different meetings and to consult on group to share views about ways to overcome
differences. positions and the way forward. negotiating deadlock, for instance. Bilaterals
are closed meetings, open only to the
When formulating national/ The first coordination meeting is usually a delegates who have been requested to attend.
group positions, keep in mind
preparatory meeting before the official COP Discussions between two or more negotiators
that compromises may be
needed in future. Build space
or SB session starts (see page 26). can also take place in very informal settings
for negotiation into your — in the corridors, over coffee, a meal, or a
positions. cigarette. Such ‘meetings’ can be very helpful
for delegates to get further clarity on one
Daily coordination another’s negotiating positions and interests in
schedules for the LDC order to find common ground.
Group, AOSIS and AGN
are usually as follows:

- 8­­­­–9am: AGN | AOSIS

- 9–10am: G77 and China

- 1–2pm: LDC Group

- 2–3pm: G77 and China

- 6–7pm: AGN | AOSIS

- 7–8pm: LDC Group.

34
A guide to the negotiations

What happens when negotiations get tricky? Friends of the chair:

Sometimes, the COP president
or chair will put together a
Negotiations rarely go smoothly and there’s no hard and fast rule about small group of delegates
the COP president or one of the who should attend and who does (carefully balanced so that
chairs of subsidiary bodies will typically not need to. If you want to attend — certain interests and views are
want to conduct consultations with it can be a good way to get further not excluded or dominant) to
parties during a session, in the margins, understanding of issues — you may help him or her in carrying out
to try and find ways to move forward. wish to approach the chair or consultations or other tasks,
often known as the ‘Friends
Who is invited to these consultations coordinator or your group or your of the chair’.
depends on who has called for it, head of delegation, as appropriate.
but it will usually be the chairs or
country grouping spokespeople The G77 and China chair (or chairs of
and representatives of delegations other groups) may also consult with
that take a strong position on the various delegates on an issue that
issue being discussed. needs resolving within the group. In
order to facilitate discussion, a series
Bilateral meetings are usually kept of consultations will usually be held,
small to facilitate discussion. That said, involving a small number of people
unless the invitation list is made explicit, at a time.

35
Imaginary diary of an African LDC negotiator
Week 1, day 2
Notes
8:00–9:00 Africa Group coordination Updates

9:00–10:00 G77 and China coordination Finalising the G77 chair’s statement for the SBI
opening plenary text on the screen, running out
of time!

10:00– SBI Opening Plenary Crept out to buy a sandwich before LDC coordination
13:00 … Isatou took notes for me in exchange for a
[Negotiation sandwich.
period]
13:00– LDC Group coordination Adaptation Fund negotiations started while I was in
14:00 plenary need to find out what happened.

14:00– G77 and China coordination Discussions getting detailed. Adaptation

15:00 team is going to use a Google group for
updates. Grabbed coffee and some fruit
(lunch!) on the way to contact group.

15:00– 15:00–16:00: contact group Contact group on ‘Matters related to LDCs’. I’m
18:00 on agenda item 7(b) (SBI) supporting Bubu, the LDC lead negotiator. Financial
[Negotiation support for NAPAs looks tricky meeting for
period] informal consultations later …

16:00–17:00: LDC LDC adaptation team meeting ahead of the ‘LDC

coordination for adaptation matters’ contact group. Updates.
team
17:00–18:00: informal on Informal consultations important to have a clear
agenda item 7(b) (SBI) provision on support for NAPAs. The Africa Group
coordinator supported us. Success! Report back to
the contact group tomorrow.

18:00– Africa Group coordination Yeh! Informal consultations ended 5 mins early.
19:00 (if applicable) Time for dinner before coordination!

19:00– LDC Group coordination LDC coordination strategy for tomorrow.

20:00 Daily programme looks like it’s going to be a full
day for the adaptation team!

36
Week 2, day 4
Notes
8:00–9:00 Africa Group coordination Crazy, crazy, crazy. Here until 2am!

9.00–10:00 G77 and China coordination G77 chair reported back COP president wants
views from all parties. Left early for a quick G77
adaptation team meeting before contact group.

10:00–13:00 10:00–11:00: contact group on Nearly done on ‘Matters related to LDCs’ only 4
[Negotiations agenda item 7(b) (SBI) paragraphs left to agree on.
period] 11:00–12:00: informal COP agenda item 3 stuck … COP president wants to
consultations with COP meet with LDC Group . Invited to join meeting.
president
12:00–13:00: final contact ‘Matters related to LDCs’ is done! Facilitators will
group on agenda item 7(b) (SBI) take the draft decision to the SBI plenary
this afternoon.

13:00–14:00 LDC Group coordination

14:00–15:00 G77 and China coordination Joined LDC chair for bilateral with the EU on
– EU bilateral agenda item 3. Tricky. And getting hungry!

15:00–18:00 SBI plenary Discussions don’t seem to be going anywhere …

[Negotiations 15:00–16:00: contact group
period] on COP agenda item 3
17:00–18:00: informal Starting to make progress!

on COP agenda item 3

18:00–19:00 Africa Group coordination Meetings with the COP president. And a hot meal!

19:00–21:00 19:00–21:00: informals Informal scheduled during coordination this makes

[Negotiations (19:00–20:00 LDC Group things so hard. Had to split the delegation.
period] coordination)
21:00– … Informal continued The COP president has asked for further
consultations with the LDCs at 00:30.

0:30: consultations with COP Informal will reconvene at 2am. I need to find
president on agenda item 3 some coffee or a sofa for an hour’s sleep.

2:00– ...: informal consultations The COP president issued new text … parties mostly
resume on agenda item 3 happy, but we’re not there yet.

4:30 Text agreed!!! Closing plenary scheduled for 7:00am.

7:00 COP closing plenary Session ends. Finally!!!

37
 A guide to the negotiations

5.2 Outcomes: What’s what?

Decisions Conclusions
For more information, The COP, CMP and CMA adopt decisions and The SBI and SBSTA each agree conclusions.
see our pocket guide: these sets of decisions are the outcome of the These are the outcomes of the negotiations on
Climate negotiations COP sessions. They are intended to advance the items in their respective agendas. These
terminology: the pocket guide
(through commitment to certain actions on various conclusions have limited legal authority, but
(in English: http://pubs.iied.
org/10148IIED.html and in
issues) the implementation of the Convention, include recommendations to the COP. They
French: http://pubs.iied. the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. give an indication of the direction of travel of
org/10148FIIED.html) negotiations on various issues.
Decision documents usually start with a
New agreements: ‘preamble’ which provides background or Sometimes, conclusions will include the text of
Even new agreements have to context and which guides the interpretation a draft decision which the body recommends
be adopted by COP decisions.
of the ‘operative’ text. The first verb used in to the COP/CMP/CMA for adoption.
The first operative paragraph of
decision 1/CP.21, for example,
preamble paragraphs usually ends in ‘-ing’,
is “[The Conference of the such as ‘noting’, or ‘considering’. It’s possible for ad hoc bodies to also agree
Parties] Decides to adopt the on conclusions.
Paris Agreement under the The preamble (which in itself has no legal
United Nations Framework authority) is followed by an ‘operative’ At the end of the session, each subsidiary body
Convention on Climate Change section with numbered paragraphs. These produces a report containing the proceedings
… as contained in the annex;”.
operative paragraphs are the core of the of negotiations and the agreed conclusions for
decision and focus on what parties have each agenda item. Before this report is
actually agreed to do. compiled, stand-alone documents containing
the ‘draft conclusions’ or final agreed text for
Decisions are denoted by a number and the each agenda item will be available on the
COP, CMP or CMA session at which they were UNFCCC website.
adopted. Although they have titles, they are
more often referred to by their number as this is Agreed conclusions for each agenda item are
more specific. (eg Decision 1/CP.21: Adoption contained in the report of each subsidiary body.
of the Paris Agreement; decision 1/CMP.11:
Report of the Adaptation Fund Board)

Decisions are compiled in the Report of the

COP/CMP/CMA at the end of each session.
You can also search for them individually on
the UNFCCC website.

38
A guide to the negotiations

5.3 Events alongside the negotiations

Meetings, events and activities are often Workshops are usually open to observers
organised alongside the main business of the and the organisers may also involve
negotiations, and may provide opportunities for representatives from other UNFCCC bodies
negotiators to further their understanding of as well as observer organisations in the
issues, or make contacts. These events may workshop. Delegates attending do not
be linked to the COP/CMP/CMA process (see necessarily have to speak or participate
Workshops and mandated events below) or in their national capacity, but may wish to
may be organised by observer groups. share lessons learnt to facilitate or advance
negotiations on the workshop theme.

Workshops and Side events The zones:

mandated events The venue where all the
Side events happen on the sidelines of the negotiations take place is
known as the blue zone.
Sometimes a COP/CMP/CMA decision or a official SB/COP business. They are
You need to be accredited to
subsidiary body conclusion requires that a opportunities for parties as well as observer enter. However, there is also a
constituted body (such as the Adaptation organisations to share their views and work. green zone, normally not too
Committee, or the LEG) organise a workshop They also provide opportunities for networking. far away, which is open to the
or event at a future negotiating session, Negotiators are often invited to participate. general public. The green zone
usually with support from the secretariat. Official side events are arranged through the is full of exhibits and is a venue
These events are not a space for negotiations UNFCCC secretariat and take place at the for side events as well.
but are meant to support the negotiation meeting venue (the Blue Zone), so anyone
process. They may be set up as a way to wishing to attend must be accredited
share experiences, gain clarity on an issue (ie. must have a badge). Side events held
from technical experts, and/or brainstorm in the Green Zone are open to all.
about an issue with a view to inform or
advance negotiations. The side events schedule is posted on the
UNFCCC website. Observer organisations also
hold ‘unofficial’ side events outside the COP
venue to open the discussion to people who
do not have UNFCCC accreditation.

39
 A guide to the negotiations

Press conference rooms: Press conferences Observers

Press conference rooms must
be booked in advance online: The UNFCCC process has attracted Often side-lined, observers in fact play a vital
http://unfccc.int/press/
increasing interest from the media over the role in the UNFCCC process. They bring a
items/4862.php
years and a large number of journalists are diversity of views, perspectives and expertise
usually accredited to attend COPs and SB to the negotiations, and can help or push
sessions and will be following the negotiations. parties to be more ambitious in their decisions
Press conferences are organised through the and actions.
secretariat — and can be called by an
individual party, a group, an informal alliance of Observers can provide a bridge with
parties or by observer organisations. They can stakeholders outside of the UNFCCC process,
be a useful way to raise the profile of a and this means they can (and do) take on a
particular issue in the talks. They are usually watchdog role to flag when parties are (in their
also webcast so can be followed online. The view) not being ambitious, or not meeting and/
UNFCCC executive secretary usually holds or backsliding on commitments. Or they can
regular press briefings to update the media highlight ambitious actions and statements to
on progress in the negotiations. encourage similar behaviour, or amplify the
voices of parties and stakeholders that
aren’t being heard.
s
Pres

40
A guide to the negotiations

Observers can essentially say ‘what cannot be said’

BINGOs, RINGOs, YOUNGOs… by parties in negotiations.
NGO observer organisations usually
join one of nine constituencies: Representatives of observer Top tip:
organisations are sometimes invited Some organisations produce
daily publications that
- Business and industry NGOs to participate in mandated events such
(BINGOs) as in-session workshops (see page 39) summarise what was discussed
in the previous day. These can
as panellists or to facilitate discussions. be extremely useful to get an
- Environmental NGOs (ENGOs) They also engage with the negotiations overall idea of how negotiations
process through side events (see are progressing.
- Local government and municipal page 39) and often have exhibition
authorities (LGMA) booths where they share publications Look out for the Earth
and talk to participants (see UNFCCC Negotiations Bulletin
(ENB), briefings from the
- Indigenous peoples organisations website for a list of exhibitors). At
Third World Network (TWN),
(IPO) COPs, there is usually a very large and the ECO newsletters
space in the venue for these booths. in particular. Printed copies
- Research and independent NGOs of these daily briefings are
(RINGOs) In plenary sessions (time permitting), usually on tables around the
the COP president or a chair of one conference venue and at the
document centre; you can
- Trade union NGOs (TUNGOs) of the subsidiary bodies will usually
give the floor to a representative of also find them on their website
or get them to your phone
- Farmers and agricultural NGOs NGO constituencies. through their respective apps.
(Farmers)

- Women and gender NGOs

(Women and Gender)

- Youth NGOs (YOUNGOs).

41
 A guide to the negotiations

5.4 Drafting text

Much of the nitty gritty of negotiating happens Square brackets […]: Bracketing text when
in contact groups and informals. Usually, at the drafting means that the wording in the text is
first few contact group sessions, parties will not yet agreed and still under negotiation.
have a general discussion to voice positions
and interests on the issue at hand. Whoever is ‘Agreed ad ref.’: When a paragraph in a draft
chairing the discussion (the COP president, text has been finalised but other parts of the
the co-chairs of an ad hoc body, or the text are still under negotiation (i.e. in square
co-facilitators of a contact group) may also brackets), the chair of the contact group might
consult in smaller settings with parties, indicate that this paragraph is ‘agreed ad ref’
particularly if major points of divergence have (short for ad referendum). By this, it is
already become obvious. understood that the paragraphs will not be
open for negotiation any longer. This may also
Once this is done, they will usually propose a be implied simply by the removal of square
first version of a draft text (decision, brackets around the paragraph and within
conclusion, or agreement) that tries to reflect the paragraph.
what was discussed. Often, they will have
invited parties to email them with textual Preamble paragraphs are referred to as
proposals, to help them produce a balanced ‘PP’, sometimes followed by a number;
draft (supported by the secretariat). Parties in the final text, the preamble paragraphs
then start negotiating around this text. will not be numbered.

It helps to be familiar with some of the jargon Operative paragraphs are referred to as ‘OP’
that exists around negotiating text: followed by their number.

‘Agreed language’: word-for-word text that

comes from the Convention, the Kyoto
Protocol, the Paris Agreement or any
previously agreed decision is often re-used in
new decisions, as a way of ensuring that an
issue or concept keeps getting highlighted, or
to overcome a deadlock.

42
A guide to the negotiations

Putting forward proposals

for new paragraphs
Parties may wish to insert paragraphs in a
draft text. To indicate where exactly they would
like to do so (and in order for everyone to be
able to keep track of changes in the text), they
refer to the paragraph that would directly
precede their new proposal, followed by
Latin numbers:
Bis (2); ter (3); quater (4); quinquies (5);
sexies (6); septies (7); octies (8); novies (9); Similarly, parties may wish to propose a new
decies (10) paragraph to replace one that is in the draft
text. They will do so by referring to the
Bis and ter are used the most frequently. specific paragraph followed by ‘alt’.

So, if someone says “I would like to propose So, if someone says “I would like to propose
language for an OP3bis” it means he or she a PP5alt”, it means he or she would like to
wants to insert a new paragraph directly delete the current PP5 and replace it with
following OP3 (which s/he would then a new paragraph.
read out).
To take the previous example, a party may also
The same person or another party may then propose a “OP3bis alt” — which would be an
raise their flag and propose a ‘OP3ter’, which alternative to the paragraph OP3bis that
means that they would like a new paragraph to another party has proposed.
follow the OP3bis that has been proposed.

43
 A guide to the negotiations

Useful to know: UNFCCC document codes

All official papers (including draft After the year, there will normally be
decisions and conclusions, but not a number, or letter and number.
non-papers) have document codes in
the top right corner of the page. If the code -/L. ... is used, it means
Familiarising yourself with these can that the document is a draft, with the
help ensure you are looking at the number denoting the version. You will
correct document and that you know hear people referring to ‘L. docs’.
what kind of document you are looking Remember, ‘draft conclusions’ from a
at. Every code starts with ‘FCCC’, subsidiary body that only need
and is followed by the code for the plenary approval to be considered
relevant body and the year the ‘final’ are still ‘L. docs’ — you need to
document was issued: know which number corresponds to
the latest L. doc that is being
forwarded to plenary for approval.
- / CP/2016/ — for the COP
Other useful codes to know:
- / KP/CMP/2016/ — for the CMP

- /PA/CMA/2016/ — for the CMA - -/CRP/- for ‘conference room paper’,

which is a document that parties
- /SBI/2016/ agree to use in the negotiations

- /SBSTA/2016/ - -/INF/- for information notes such as

a synthesis of submissions prepared
- /APA/2016/ by the secretariat, or the list of
participants for a session
- …or /TP/[year] if a document is a
technical paper not associated with
one particular body.

44
A guide to the negotiations

Paper free:
The UNFCCC is trying to go
paper-free – providing
- -/MISC/- for miscellaneous documents on the website and
documents, such as compilations of via apps, and providing
submissions from parties and/or “touch-to-collect” technology
for digital resources. Hard
observers
copies of daily programmes,
agendas or draft texts are
Codes may end with: usually available from the
Document Centre (look for this
on conference venue maps).
- -/Add. … for addendum (usually the
second part of a report)

- -/Corr. for documents that needed a

correction (which may only apply to
one of the translations)
- -/Rev. … for documents that have
had text revised from the previous
version

The code for decision 1/CP.21

adopting the Paris Agreement, for
example, is FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.

45
 A guide to the negotiations

5.5 How a decision might be reached

Before the session, an ‘annotated’ If there is a deadlock around a certain

provisional agenda is circulated. Parties paragraph, the chairs or facilitators may set up
develop national positions on issues they a drafting group to help produce a
consider to be of importance. compromise text. (Individual delegates may
also take the initiative to do this on their own,
During preparatory meetings and consulting with others in the margin of
coordination meetings, party groupings negotiations). The drafting group brings their
discuss group positions and negotiating new text back to the contact group (and it is
strategies for the session. then either accepted or worked on further).

In plenary (and through submissions), parties The contact group agrees on a draft text
(including groups) state their positions. (contained in an L. doc). The co-chairs or
co-facilitators take this text back to their body
At the plenary, the COP president/SB chairs/ and/or to the COP president.
ad hoc body chairs set up contact groups on
an agenda item, sub-item, or thematic issue. The draft text is taken to plenary, where it is
formally approved and adopted. If the text is
In the contact group, parties clarify their intended for a COP decision but has only been
positions and interests. If an issue seems to approved by a subsidiary body, the chair(s) of
need further in-depth discussion, the chairs the body forwards it to the COP and
or facilitators may set up a spin-off group. recommends it for adoption. At the COP
They may also hold informal consultations plenary, the decision is put forward and the
with parties. COP president gavels to indicate that the
decision is adopted.
Parties may also discuss among themselves in
informal bilateral meetings or one-to-ones. (Remember at COP sessions, the COP,
Spin-off groups report back to the contact CMP, CMA, SBI, SBSTA and any ad hoc body
group (ideally with a way forward). will meet in parallel — and the outcomes of
their discussions must be brought back to a
The chairs or facilitators of the contact group plenary. Plenary sessions do not overlap with
then put forward a draft text. Parties start to one another, but contact groups and informal
negotiate with the text projected on a screen. meetings will.)

46
A guide to the negotiations

5.6 Practical tips: during the session

Make tech work for you. Take care not to fall ill!
Download Skype and/or WhatsApp Take vitamins or do what helps you stay
onto your phone or laptop. healthy. The negotiation process will not stop
to accommodate delegates who are sick or
Set up or join a WhatsApp group otherwise absent.
to link with your negotiating team.
Make sure your contact
Get a local phone / SIM card.
details are known.
Put a local taxi number in your phone. It’s especially important to go to the first
contact group or informal. The secretariat will
collect email addresses for the group. Those
 ake the chance to
T
on the list will receive updated drafts of the
sleep when you can. text, meeting time and room changes, and
any other announcements.
 on’t forget to eat
D 
Make sure your email, Skype address and
and drink. You won’t
phone number are on the appropriate lists in
be effective if group coordination meetings as well.
you don’t.

47
 6. Useful resources

Our companion toolkits Online

Abeysinghe, A, Prolo, C, Tenzing, J (2015) UNFCCC website:
Climate negotiations terminology: https://unfccc.int
the pocket guide. IIED, London.
http://pubs.iied.org/10148IIED Earth Negotiations Bulletin:
www.iisd.ca/enb
Abeysinghe, A, Prolo, C, Tenzing, J (2016)
Manuel de terminologie des négociations sur ECO (Climate Action Network International):
le climat : anglais-français. IIED, London. www.climatenetwork.org/eco-newsletters
http://pubs.iied.org/10148FIIED.html
Climate Home:
Sharma, A, Schwarte, C, Müller, B, Abeysinghe, www.climatechangenews.com
A, Barakat, S (2015) Pocket guide to the
Paris Agreement. ECBI, London.
http://pubs.iied.org/G04042/

48
On Twitter
@UNFCCC @PEspinosaC
Official twitter account of the United Nations Executive secretary of the UNFCCC
climate change secretariat. Also in French
(@CCNUCC), Spanish (@CMNUCC) & @LDCChairUNFCCC
German (@UNKlima) Chair of the Least Developed Countries Group
at UN climate change negotiations, working to
@UNFCCCDocuments secure a strong and fair global deal
Notifies followers about publication of
UNFCCC in-session documents @SaleemulHuq
Director of ICCCAD and IIED senior fellow,
@enbclimate experienced COP observer and campaigner
IISD’s Earth Negotiations Bulletin team at the
UNFCCC climate change negotiations @AchalaC
Legal advisor to LDC chair on UN climate
@CANIntl negotiations. Team leader & principal
Network of over 950 NGOs fighting climate researcher — global climate law, policy and
change. Watch here for updates on UN climate governance @IIED
talks, the ECO newsletter, Fossil of the Day &
other member activities

@IPCC_CH
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) is the leading international
body for the assessment of climate change
 Knowledge
Products

Toolkit Climate change

Keywords: United Nations Framework

October 2016 Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), Least Developed
Countries (LDCs), capacity building

Attending UN climate negotiations for the first time is daunting,

especially if it is a Conference of the Parties (COP) session.
With so many meetings happening in parallel and using
unfamiliar jargon and acronyms, the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
process is notoriously complex.
This toolkit will help new delegates, in particular from the Least Developed
Countries, navigate the session. It focuses on the process, rather than the
content of negotiations, and offers some practical tips for getting through
the days (and nights).

International Institute for

Environment and Development
80-86 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8NH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 3463 7399
www.iied.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theIIED
Twitter: @iied
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/iied/
Download more publications at http://pubs.iied.org