Strengthening engagement and action by the Least Developed Countries Group on Climate Change

 

Since the project launched in March 2022, some progress has been made towards establishing a permanent institutional structure for the LDC Group on climate change. Activities have focused on strengthening internal coordination, improving institutional memory, enhancing technical capacity, and expanding outreach and partnerships.

Below is a summary of key milestones achieved and work currently underway:

  • Consultative Needs Assessment: A consultative needs assessment was carried out to inform the development of a five-year strategic plan for the LDC Group. This included stakeholder interviews, a documentation review, a baseline survey and analysis of existing structures, with specific attention to gender and youth dimensions.
  • Strategic Plan & Governance Structure: A draft strategic plan and governance structure have been developed, aligned with the Group’s long-term climate vision. This includes proposals for institutional strengthening and clearer roles for key functions within the Group.
  • Gender & Youth Action Plan: A dedicated gender and youth strategy and action plan has been developed to guide the work of the Group and its Secretariat, informed by targeted assessments and consultation.
  • Recruitment of Secretariat Staff: Recruitment of core Secretariat staff has begun. The Coordinator of the LDC Group Secretariat, Ms Munalula K. Yowela, was appointed in March 2025.
  • Operational Structure: The operational structure of the Secretariat has been designed, including draft Terms of Reference, staffing structure, and initial governance and coordination mechanisms. A preliminary work plan and budget for the LDC Chair has also been developed, alongside a handover report template to support smooth transitions.
  • Legal Status & Hosting Arrangements: Initial steps were taken to define the legal status and long-term hosting arrangements of the Secretariat. Consultations with key stakeholders are ongoing to finalise a decision.
  • Knowledge Management: A knowledge management system is being developed to strengthen institutional memory, including a platform and handbook to support documentation, learning and institutional memory. Training will be delivered for Secretariat staff and focal points once this system is in place.
  • Coordination mechanisms: IT tools and coordination mechanisms are in the process of being established to support information flow within the Group.
  • Collaboration with LDC Group Initiatives: The Secretariat has begun engaging with the leads of LDC Group initiatives such as LIFE-AR, LUCCC and REEEI to identify opportunities for collaboration and alignment.
  • Financial Sustainability: A resource mobilisation strategy is being developed to ensure sustainability beyond the GEF project.

  • Enhanced participation through capacity building: Trainings and knowledge-sharing activities are being planned across the LDCs, to build capacity for engaging in the UNFCCC process, with particular focus on women and youth
  • LUCCC Think Tank: Work is underway to support the LUCCC initiative in establishing a regional think tank on climate change, which aims to build research capacity and foster leadership among women and youth in LDCs.
  • Needs Assessment: A needs assessment has been conducted to inform the capacity building framework, which identified priority areas of climate finance, transparency, loss and damage, adaptation, and technology transfer.
  • Training Module Development: A series of training modules will be developed, including for sessions on mainstreaming gender and youth considerations in climate policy and action.
  • LDC Experts Database: A database of relevant experts on climate change negotiations from across the Least Developed Countries is being compiled to support targeted training and mentoring activities
  • Travel Support: The project continues to provide travel support for representatives from LDCs to attend relevant international meetings, negotiations, and capacity building events

  • Communications Strategy: A communications strategy has been developed and will be implemented to increase visibility of the Group and build awareness and understanding of the Group’s objectives.
  • Digital and media presence: Work is ongoing to increase and improve the LDC Group’s social media presence and media engagement
  • Stakeholder engagement strategy: A stakeholder mapping has been conducted and strategy developed for
  • Strategic Events: Strategic engagement plans were developed for participation in side events at COP28 and COP29, including hosting side events on Gender and Youth.
  • Partnerships and advocacy: The Secretariat will facilitate climate networking events, promote peer learning, and build strategic partnerships to strengthen climate action and advocacy.

  • M&E Systems: A gender-responsive monitoring, reporting and evaluation mechanism has been developed to guide project delivery and accountability
  • Governance and oversight structures: The Project Steering Committee was established and regular PSC meetings have been organised to provide strategic guidance and oversight of project implementation
  • Independent assessment: Preparations are underway to conduct a final independent evaluation to assess the project’s performance, results and sustainability.