The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement have formalised their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 13 November, 2024. This outlines a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing capacity building and supporting the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Under this MOU, both IGES and the UNFCCC secretariat will work together to facilitate the development of high-integrity carbon markets and promote ambitious climate action through the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP). The collaboration will focus on pooling resources and expertise to assist countries and stakeholders in building institutional capacities required for implementing Article 6, which includes carbon market mechanisms that enable international cooperation on emissions reductions.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
IGES and the UNFCCC secretariat will jointly cooperate in implementing Article 6 capacity-building programmes to strengthen the technical capabilities of participating countries and organisations. These joint activities include regional workshops, webinars and other capacity-building events, as well as promoting knowledge-sharing and showcasing best practices, with a focus on Article 6 reporting and review, tracking, Article 6.4 participation, methodology and other relevant areas. - Resource Mobilisation and Technical Support
Both organisations will collaborate to mobilise resources and provide technical support for the operationalisation of the A6IP. This includes logistical support for meetings, training sessions, and the coordination of various stakeholders involved in the implementation process. - Promotion of Collaborative Efforts
The joint regional activities carried out under this MOU will be delivered through collaboration with the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs) with the aim to promote broad and inclusive capacity-building responding to the regional challenges and needs of the countries and relevant stakeholders that implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Future Goals and Outcomes:
This MOU serves as a foundation for both IGES and the UNFCCC secretariat to achieve long-term objectives, including the establishment of robust and transparent carbon markets, enhanced global cooperation on climate action, and the facilitation of knowledge transfer and capacity building among participating countries. The A6IP also aims to ensure that the implementation of Article 6 aligns with the highest environmental integrity standards and contributes effectively to global emissions reduction efforts.
Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of IGES, remarked on the signing of the MOU, stating, ‘This cooperation represents a vital step in deepening our international commitment to tackling climate change. IGES has long worked closely with the UNFCCC secretariat and is eager to further strengthen this collaboration to share knowledge and expertise that will support countries in achieving effective climate action while upholding high environmental standards. Through this Partnership, we aim to explore more inclusive and sustainable solutions by working together with the UNFCCC secretariat and other partner organisations to promote effective, functioning and high integrity international carbon markets. ‘
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the secretariat of the UNFCCC stated, ‘We are strengthening our collaboration with the Partnership to better support countries with Article 6 participation. This will reduce fragmentation of capacity building activities, lower costs and accelerate the development of high-integrity carbon markets, ensuring countries can access and make effective use of opportunities under Article 6. ‘
About the Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP) Center
At COP27 in 2022, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) launched the Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP) to support capacity building related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Building on this initiative, the A6IP Center was established following the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Sapporo in April 2023. The Center aims to promote institutional development and capacity building for government officials and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the early and steady development of high-quality carbon markets under Article 6. IGES serves as the Secretariat of the Center. As of December 2024, 81 countries and over 100 institutions have joined the partnership. Moving forward, the A6IP Center will strengthen its capacity-building support based on the latest rules adopted at COP29/CMA6. In collaboration with international organisations such as the UNFCCC Secretariat and the World Bank, the Center will enhance its efforts to meet the needs of participating countries.
