Key Functions for a UNFCCC Technology Institutional Structure: Identifying Convergence in Country Submissions

This paper identifies the key elements needed to ensure enhanced action on technology transfer and development and then evaluates the approaches taken in major country positions. It finds a number of important convergences in these positions and identifies four types of institutions that recur in country positions: central bodies, dedicated funds, regional institutions and coordinating committees. Matching these institutions to functional needs suggests that a combination of institutional structures best meets all the institutional needs of a technology agreement.

An earlier version of this paper was written by WRI and E3G to assist Chinese and EU participants of the “Informal Workshop on Technology Cooperation and Transfer in Relation to UNFCCC Negotiations,” on October 26, 2009 in Shanghai. WRI and E3G would welcome reviews and suggestions as we refine this paper further.