Mitigation Work Programme
(1/CMA.3 para 27)
What does “a focused exchange of views,
information and ideas” mean: the SA perspective

Outline
• Background and context
• View/perspectives on the meaning of focused
exchange of views
• Some concerns/confusions regarding the
MWP and the 4/CMA.4 decision
• Concluding remarks

Background
• Mandate: UNFCCC Decision 1/CMA.3, para 27
(Glasgow 2022)
• Decides to establish a work programme to
urgently scale up mitigation ambition and
implementation in this critical decade…., in a
manner that complements the global stocktake

Background
• At COP27 (Sharm): 4/CMA.4
• A set of key principles and elements was decided
on
– Elements for operationalisation
– Foundational principles for MWP
– Scope
– Modalities
– Established certain rules

Conundrum?
• Have we created a “conundrum”?
• Based on the decision 4/CMA.4 –
overcomplicating MWP?

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
• 4/CMA.4, para 2:
“…the work programme shall be
operationalized through focused exchanges of
views, information and ideas…”

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
• Have to consider “focus” in a broad and multi
facetted sense!!!
• Not one dimensional
• Has a set of basic components that are linked
to it based on 1/CMA.3 and …/CMA4 decision

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
• Focus should be strongly linked to the
objective/outcome (4/CMA.4):
“…urgently scale up mitigation ambition and
implementation in this critical decade in a
manner that complements the global
stocktake.”

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
• However, should be pragmatic, practical and
implementable “in this critical decade”
• Therefore, the FOCUS should be both
outcome and input oriented – BALANCED!

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
• Should be done in the context of:
Science, equity, Art 2.1.a, MoI, NDC, GSt, etc.

View/perspectives on the meaning of
focused exchange of views
Focus
Objective/
Outcome
Science
based
Equity
Art
2.1.a
MoI
NDC
GSt

Other considerations
• See the MWP as a way to ambitiously enhance
and promote the NDCs
• NDC is the mechanism for operationalizing the
MWP outcome
• This would be more practical, rather than
establishing another mechanism or setting
additional targets outside of the NDC

Some concerns
• Scope is very broad in 4/CMA.4
• Delinking the MWP from the NDC and the GSt
(DANGER!!!)
– Stand alone
– Compromise the bottom-up approach of climate
action and the PA regime
– Prescriptive and impractical/pragmatic
– Will result in a non-focused approach

Format
• Inclusive and participatory
• Should be a mix/blend of different formats to
get as much views, information and ideas as
possible
– Plenary, smaller groups, written inputs, perhaps
also a few virtual sessions
• Should also be guided by the latest science –
experts can provide introductory
presentations

Concluding remarks
• Inclusive and participatory platform with
common vision and mission
• Should integrate into existing mechanisms
• Bottom-up nature should be preserved
• Spirit of good faith
• Unlocking and promote greater ambition

THANK YOU!
Itchell Guiney (South Africa)
International Climate Change Relations & Reporting
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Tel: 012 399 9166 | Mobile: 082 870 0819
Email: iguiney@dffe.gov.za
Website: http://www.environment.gov.za
Address: The Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083