ecbi hosted an Asia Pacific Regional Training workshop for novice climate negotiators to gain a better understanding of the climate process, the main issues being addressed in the climate negotiations, and the mechanics of negotiations so they can more effectively participate in meetings under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. 

The workshop, held from 22-24 October 2024, at the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal, was attended by 19 participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Nepal, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Eight resource persons from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Least Developed Country (LDC) Group also attended. The Workshop had 78.95% female participation and 21.05% male participation. The Workshop covered key issues relevant to the multilateral climate change negotiations, as well as key priorities for LDCs and SIDS. It also provided hands-on training during a mock negotiating session. 

Presentations were made on the Science of Climate Change, Climate Geopolitics and the International Governance Framework, Mitigation, Adaptation and Loss and Damage, Climate Finance and Loss and Damage Finance, Key Priorities for LDC and SIDS, and the Mechanics of and Preparing for the Negotiations. During a mock negotiating session on the third day of the Workshop, trainees came prepared to negotiate on the agenda item: Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh work programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation referred to in decision 7/CMA.3.
The question-and-answer sessions after each of the presentations were lively and interactive. Participants were curious to know more about the political economy of negotiations and particularly reflecting on the interest of LDC and SIDS on climate financing, prioritizing adaptation and future negotiations on increasing the quality and quantity of climate financing. In addition, participants were inquisitive to explore more on the future of loss and damage and showed their concerns regarding the limitation of adaptation financing. 

Following the conclusion of the Workshop, participants commented positively on the substance, information provided, and format, saying it was engaging, well-structured, and well-managed. Specifically, participants felt that:

• The mock exercise was very useful. The negotiations simulation – very important for Pacific Island nations who lack capacity-building information presentations because they were very informative and the negotiations simulation – are very important for Pacific Island nations who lack capacity building.
• The sharing of experiences of all the presenters and participants was useful. It was important to have tips for the COP and the mitigation, adaptation, loss, and damage insights.
• Every presentation was useful and important but climate finance focused on adaptation and implementation is a priority and need for all of us the developing countries.

Participants also provided useful feedback for improving trainings in the future. The suggestions were focused on using more in-person presenters, explaining theoretical lessons with examples, and providing more time for additional mock negotiating sessions. They also requested including more time for interactions, cultural exchanges, and a field visit. 
Looking forward and based on the experience that the training afforded them, participants looked forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained during the training through active participation in negotiations on behalf of their respective countries.