UN Climate Change News, 24 November 2021 - The world's (link is external) 46 least developed countries have already been hit hardest by the effects of the climate emergency, despite contributing very little to overall greenhouse gas emissions. And these countries are in dire need of assistance to tackle accelerating climate impacts, which include ever more frequent and intense storms, droughts and floods.
The Least Developed Country Expert Group (LEG) under the UNFCCC has provided support around climate adaptation to LDCs and other developing countries for 20 years now. At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November, it looked back on its milestones and achievements and looked forward to enhanced support to the LDCs considering the challenges ahead.
The LEG Chair, Mr. Kenel Delusca, stressed that with the added burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering the challenges that least developed countries keep facing, exacerbated by climate change impacts, "the work of the LEG and its support for adaptation to least developed countries is of paramount importance."
The High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, H.E. Courtenay Rattray, expressed his appreciation for the LEG as a "strong ally" for his office's endeavour in advocating "the pressing needs of the 1.1 billion people living in the least developed countries, landlocked countries and small island developing states", mentioning the LEG's support, including its global outreach work through the NAP Expos.
Reflecting on increasingly threatening climate change impacts and the additional burden of the pandemic, the High Representative called for the urgent provision of tangible support in terms of finance, capacity and technology, in order to protect vulnerable communities, children, marginalized groups and those disadvantaged due to socioeconomic or health challenges.
The LEG provided technical guidance and support to the LDCs on the formulation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action and national adaptation plans. Support services ranges from building capacity through workshops, outreach such as the NAP Expo and direct country support such as the Open NAP initiative.
See more about 20 years of Adaptation Support to LDCs in this (link is external) YouTube video.
About the LEG
Founded in 2021, the Least Developed Country Expert Group initially supported the formulation and implementation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action, later the development and provision of technical National Adaptation Plan guidelines, the organization of trainings and workshops and through the group's convening of and participation at events, including NAP Expos.
The LEG's current mandates include providing technical guidance and support to the LDCs on the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans and the implementation of the LDC work programme, providing technical guidance and advice on accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, together with the GCF secretariat, and engaging a wide range of organizations in implementing its work programme.
The Group continues to evolve and progressively adjust its support modalities to ensure that activities are demand-driven and based on the needs of the LDCs. The event in Glasgow launched the year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the LEG.
