UN Climate Change News, 13 June 2025 - The first half of 2025 has made major strides forward in advancing global climate transparency, with the UNFCCC secretariat completing 29 technical reviews of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) under the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).
This milestone included 25 in-country reviews and four centralized reviews, engaging 225 technical experts. Review teams worked closely with national authorities to assess greenhouse gas inventories, progress in implementing and achieving nationally determined contributions, and support provided. Additionally, three Parties underwent voluntary reviews of information on climate change impacts and adaptation, while one Party completed a technical analysis of the annex to its BTR submitted on a voluntary basis, in the context of results-based payments from implementing activities to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).
Beyond meeting the reporting requirements of the Paris Agreement, BTR reviews serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement among the UNFCCC secretariat, national experts and technical review teams. The process not only tracks progress and identifies capacity-building needs, but also fosters trust, strengthens institutional relationships, and reinforces confidence in the technical competence of expert review teams. By submitting BTRs and undergoing technical reviews, countries highlight the crucial role of robust climate data and information in driving effective climate action.
Building on lessons learned from the measurement, reporting and verification systems under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, ETF reviews are implemented through a structured and iterative approach. As more reviews are conducted, the secretariat will continue to enhance efficiency while ensuring that reviews remain facilitative, non-intrusive, non-punitive, respectful of national sovereignty, and avoid placing undue burden on Parties.
To share insights from these early BTR reviews, the secretariat will host a side event during the June Climate Meetings: "Reviewing Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs): Achievements, Challenges and Lessons Learned." Taking place on 20 June 2025, the session will explore experiences from the first two rounds of reviews, highlighting key takeaways, challenges and opportunities for refinement in future review cycles.
As the Enhanced Transparency Framework continues to evolve, the first half of 2025 has underscored the importance of expert collaboration, open dialogue and institutional learning. The UNFCCC secretariat remains committed to continuously strengthening the review process and deepening engagement in the months ahead.
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