Implementing NAPs and NDCs: Sectoral and regional insights

This session will follow on from the successful regional roundtables at COP29, where representatives from Africa, the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia reflected on the unique challenges and opportunities to NDC and NAP implementation in their region. We will hear from Latin American representatives in a regional roundtable focused on the nuanced needs and opportunities for implementing and mainstreaming water into climate plans across the region.

Perspectives from the breadth of water-relevant sectors will also be shared, emphasising the cross-sectoral considerations required for implementing water and climate adaptation and drawing out joint opportunities for progress.

We will aim to shift from commitments to implementation, emphasizing the need to move toward practical solutions and expanding partnerships in order to implement NDCs and NAPs, with water as a central element. This focus would include the importance of unlocking finance, while also addressing governance and capacity gaps that enable countries to effectively access and use resources.

Programme:

Welcome (2 min):

Julie Henri, WaterAid

Opening remarks (5 min):

• Iara Bueno Giacomini – Director of river basin rehabilitation, access to water and multiple use of water resources · Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil

Regional experience of water prioritisation in national climate plans (15 min):

• Juanita Ariza Guzman, Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe de las Naciones Unidas (CEPAL), Colombia​
• Soraya Salcedo, Subdirectora de Cooperación Internacional, ANA, Peru​
• Paula Martinelli, Global Water Advocacy Officer, Wetlands International

Reflections – Cross-sectoral perspectives on implementing the water components of climate plans (30 min):

• John Grimes, Chief Executive, Smart Energy Council​
• Lea Ranalder, Associate Programme Management Officer, ​Human Settlements, UN Habitat​
• Dr. Greenwell Matchaya, Deputy Country Representative – ​South Africa, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)​
• Jose Gesti, Senior Water and Climate Consultant, ​Sanitation and Water for All

Questions from the audience (5 min)

Closing remarks (10 min)

• Amanda McKee, NDC Partnership