I spent the week following the negotiations on technology transfer on behalf of the Eswatini delegation and for this blog post, I have summarized what the main technology transfer negotiation agenda items were. Technology transfer was part of three agenda items in which Kenya was representing the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) hence the interests of Eswatini. The priorities of the African Group on these agenda items include ensuring that all African LDCs receive support from the Technology Mechanism to conduct Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) by the end of the current reporting period. Furthermore, it is of particular interest for the AGN and other developing countries to ensure that the CTCN has sustained financial resources and capacity to support the implementation of proposed projects. Beyond the negotiations, it is imperative that African countries do their part through enacting appropriate policies and accountability measures so that they can attract GEF support in the next round of financing.
The technology transfer agenda items being negotiated were:
SBSTA 51 agenda item 5, joint annual report of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Center Network (CTCN)
The joint annual report of the TEC and CTCN was welcomed and the progress of the two bodies in facilitating the effective implementation of the technology mechanism was appreciated. Also, reports of the activities of both bodies throughout 2019 were welcomed. Contents of the draft text of conclusions by SBSTA addressing the need to enhance climate technology development and transfer to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement are still being negotiated.
SBI agenda 13 b, Alignment between the review of the CTCN and the Periodic assessment referred to in paragraph 69 of the PA agreement
SBI initiated its consideration of the alignment between processes pertaining to the review of the (CTCN) and the Periodic Assessment of the effectiveness and adequacy of support provided to the Technology Mechanism in supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement on matters relating to technology development and transfer. The SBI requested the secretariat to prepare an information note on possible options, and their implications, for aligning processes about the independent review of the CTCN and the Periodic Assessment of the Technology Mechanism for consideration at SBI 52.
SBI agenda 13c Poznan strategic program (PSP) on technology transfer
The PSP was created in 2007 by the COP for the GEF to scale up the level of investment for technology transfer. The program has supported countries to undertake technology needs assessments (TNAs), develop technology pilot projects and implement hundreds of climate projects with objectives related to climate technologies. The contents of the draft text of conclusions are still being negotiated.
As a believer in the promise that technology has to offer concerning climate action, taking part in the negotiations broadened my perspective about the complexities involved in ensuring the equitable transfer of technology to developing nations. In addition to attending negotiations about technology transfer, I also participated in side-events that addressed innovation, technology development and financing NDCs in developing countries. Effective collaboration between representatives from different countries within the same region or negotiation block was inspiring. The way the negotiators bolstered each other’s proposals invoked in me a wish to see this kind of coordination beyond the COP.
Furthermore, my first COP experience has enlightened me about the need for developing countries, particularly African countries to foster innovation locally and regionally for simultaneous sustainable economic development and climate action. I am more aware of the importance and need for strategic collaboration between developing countries to take advantage of economic opportunities that emerge due to climate change. I believe that as African’s we need to embrace a path to development not identical to that of the developed countries and for this to happen, we need to foster the creation of innovative business cases for climate action. Finally, we need more youth involvement, more innovation, and more strategic regional collaboration.
