​The RRC.AP convened a virtual advanced training from 18-22 January 2021 on Developing Concept Notes for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) including via the Simplified Approval Process (SAP). The week-long event gathered 31 participants from seven countries in the region working towards accessing the GCF for Climate Change Adaptation. Country teams included representatives from the respective National Designated Authorities (NDAs), Direct Access Entities (DAEs), Executing Entities, and other project stakeholders.

Working across time zones, country teams joined from Cambodia, Indonesia, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and the Republic of Marshall Islands. The virtual advanced training reconvened country teams from an introductory training held in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2019.

Theoretical sessions built upon the early-stage project formulation tools introduced in the introductory training and focused on other elements of a GCF concept note to advance proposals towards a ready-for-submission draft. Following a series of practical self-paced exercises and virtual report back sessions and consultations for feedback, the virtual training closed successfully while noting avenues for continued support to finalise concept notes to access the GCF, including via dedicated support by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).