To build regional momentum for the annual UN Climate Change Conference, which is COP26 this year in November, and drive forward the regional implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Regional Climate Weeks for 2021 and 2022 are being held and dates announced.
In a UN Climate press release, it was shared that the Regional Climate Weeks “will provide a platform for representatives of national and subnational governments, cities, the private sector, financial institutions and civil society to jointly discuss opportunities to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying opportunities to deploy ambitious measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change.”
According to UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa, “the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life across the world. The recovery from this crisis has to be sustainable, cleaner, healthier and more resilient. For this deep transformation, we need the efforts of all stakeholders, at all levels of government and in all sectors of society. The Climate Weeks can galvanize crucial climate action at the regional level and therefore make a significant contribution to more ambition globally.”
All stakeholders can join the Climate Weeks to build partnerships and to share regional actions and are designed to encourage and facilitate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Long-Term Low greenhouse gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), Global Climate Action, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Regional Climate Weeks in 2021 will mainly take place virtually and will kick off on 3 to 4 March through virtual regional roundtables in the three regions. These regional roundtables will set the scene in terms of regional priorities, challenges, and opportunities for climate action, after which a series of virtual thematic sessions will take place focusing on partnering for the whole society engagement in implementation, managing climate risks, and seizing transformation opportunities.
The virtual thematic sessions that include workshops, virtual exhibitions, and side events will then follow and these are:
- Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2021 (LACCW2021), hosted by the Government of the Dominican Republic on 11-13 May
- Africa Climate Week 2021 (ACW2021), hosted by the Government of Uganda on 15 to 18 June
- Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2021 (APCW2021), hosted by the Government of Japan on 6 to 9 July.
To get involved in the 2021 Regional Climate Weeks, individuals and organizations need to register and the details on the registration, agenda, and the different modalities of engagement will be distributed through the Regional Collaboration Centres newsletters. To receive the newsletters and updates, interested participants can subscribe to the region of interest:
- Asia-Pacific Region
- Eastern and Southern Africa
- Western and Francophone Africa (by sending an email to RCCLome@unfccc.int)
- Caribbean
- Latin America
For more information, please email Climate-Week@unfccc.int.
