Introduction to our work on global climate law, policy and governance: supporting LDCs in and outside of the UNFCCC process

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aims to prevent dangerous climate change without compromising sustainable economic development. Adopted in December 2015 and already in force, the implementation of and drive to increase ambition under the Paris Agreement will shape the work of the UNFCCC for the foreseeable future.

To achieve the UNFCCC's goal, all countries must be able to participate fully in formulating global climate change policies. In particular, the concerns of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change must be taken into account. Yet many global decisions are taken without proper representation by these countries.

LDCs and other vulnerable countries often lack the capacity to participate effectively in global policymaking processes. They often have limited financial resources, evidence-based research support and the technical and legal advice they need to negotiate issues effectively. Their small delegations often include new negotiators who must learn on the job.

We support negotiators from LDCs and other vulnerable countries in five main ways:

• Providing on-demand legal, technical and strategic advice to the LDC Group in the UNFCCC process
• Facilitating the engagement of LDCs and other vulnerable countries in the UNFCCC process through participation and capacity strengthening support
• Helping LDCs increase their climate diplomacy engagement and influence in global forums and politics
• Supporting LDCs to strengthen national policy and legislative responses, including through long-term strategies and the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework, in line with their commitments at the international level, and
• Supporting long-term LDC initiatives on adaptation and resilience, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and capacity building.