Regional Training Workshop on National Adaptation Plan Development Process: Strengthening Capacity for Multi-sectoral Involvement in the NAP Process in Asia-Pacific Region
11-13 June, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand
The Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP) conducted the Regional Training Workshop on National Adaptation Plan Development Process from June 11-13, 2024, at the Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop, which focused on strengthening capacity for multi-sectoral involvement in the NAP process in the Asia-Pacific region, was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN), the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), with financial support from the Ministry of Environment, Japan (MoEJ).
Attended by 26 participants from governments and academic institutions across eight Asian countries, namely, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, the 3-day training program aimed to support governments in their national adaptation planning (NAP) processes by enhancing capacities and providing practical, internationally tested models and tools. The workshop focused on improving understanding and awareness of the NAP process, familiarizing participants with key NAP elements and support channels, and offering practical guidelines for establishing institutional arrangements, developing gender-sensitive and inclusive NAPs, integrating climate adaptation into national development plans, creating monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and accessing climate finance, particularly through preparing proposals for Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Grants.
The workshop commenced with the welcoming remarks from Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director of AIT RRC.AP, followed by a virtual keynote speech from Ms. Ayuko Kobayakawa, Director for International Climate Change Adaptation Planning, MoEJ. Opening messages from partners included a virtual address by Mr. Srinivasa Popuri, Chief of the Bangkok Programme Office and Deputy Head of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at UN-Habitat, followed by remarks from Ms. Makiko Yashiro, Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for Nature Action at UNEP's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and Dr. Hans Guttman, Executive Director of ADPC.
The training program consisted of eight sessions: (1) NAP and its linkages to the 2030 Agenda and other global frameworks; (2) Country progress and experiences on NAPs; (3) NAPs and the Asia-Pacific context; (4) NAP process resources, terminology, and enabling activities; (5) Overview and update on NAPs under the UNFCCC; (6) Monitoring progress in formulating and implementing NAPs; (7) National-level investment planning and project development; and (8) Mobilizing climate finance with a focus on Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources. Delivered through informative presentations, group exercises, and plenary discussions, the training workshop provided participants with valuable insights and practical knowledge on various aspects of the NAP development processes.