2nd Plenary Mee�ng of the Paris Agreement Ar�cle 6 Implementa�onPartnership
Summary of Mee�ng
September 1, 2023

Organized by:
Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) andParis Agreement Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on Partnership Center,Ins�tute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Summary of the Mee�ng
The 2nd Plenary Mee�ng of the Paris Agreement Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on Partnership (A6IP)
commenced with an opening remark by Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental
Aﬀairs at the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ).
Session 1 started with the progress of the Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on Partnership and its Center, withpresenta�ons by••

Sadamitsu Sakoguchi, MOEJ
Kazuhisa Koakutsu, A6IP Center.

Session 2 focused on regional support for Ar�cle 6 implementa�on.
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Chathep Chanyam from A6IP Center presented ongoing regional support ac�vi�es and lessons
learned. In the panel discussion
Perumal Arumugam from UNFCCC secretariat shared UNFCCC’s regional training programs
undertaken by Regional Collabora�on Centers.
Hari Gadde from the World Bank outlined their engagement in suppor�ng capacity-building
eﬀorts across regions.
Ousmane Fall Sarr, represen�ng the West African Alliance, shared their ini�a�ves and challenges.
Isaac Rubayiza from the Eastern African Alliance introduced their approaches to implemen�ng
Ar�cle 6 projects for NDC achievement.
Cris�na Figueroa Vargas of the Paciﬁc Alliance underscored the importance of u�lizing establishedins�tu�onal pla�orms for the development of Ar�cle 6 regional ini�a�ves.
Virender Kumar Duggal, from the Asian Development Bank, highlighted their role in bridging
capacity and knowledge gaps and mobilizing carbon ﬁnance.
Jan-Willem van de Ven, represen�ng the European Bank for Reconstruc�on and Development,
explained their extensive geographical reach and interest in carbon markets.
Pedro Venzon, on behalf of the Interna�onal Emissions Trading Associa�on (IETA), introduced
IETA's Business Partnership for Market Implementa�on (B-PMI) program.

Session 3 involved informa�on sharing from partners.
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Akio Takemoto, from the United Na�ons University Ins�tute for the Advanced Study of
Sustainability (UNU-IAS), introduced their postgraduate degree program, which has a focus on
climate ac�ons including Ar�cle 6.
Karen Holm Olsen, from UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), shared their researchbased support for Ar�cle 6 implementa�on.

The mee�ng concluded with closing remarks by Yasuo Takahashi, Execu�ve Director of IGES.

Disclaimer

The organizers have taken diligent measures to maintain objec�vity and present a thorough conference
summary. However, it is important to acknowledge the possibility of occasional errors. The organizers
do not accept any liability or responsibility for inaccuracies in this report. We kindly recommend
referring to the mee�ng webpage for addi�onal materials pertaining to each speaker's presenta�on.

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1. Opening Remark•

Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Aﬀairs, Ministry of EnvironmentJapano On behalf of Ministry of the Environment, Japan, Mr. Matsuzawa expressed gra�tude
for the par�cipants in the 2nd Plenary Mee�ng of the Ar�cle 6 Implementa�onPartnership (A6IP), highligh�ng the partnership's growth since its establishment at
COP27 and its expansion of membership to have included around 70 countries and 34
interna�onal organiza�ons as partners. He introduced the Ar�cle 6 Implementa�onPartnership Center, managed by IGES, and its role in promo�ng capacity buildingac�vi�es. He also outlined the mee�ng’s agenda, which included updates onpartnership’s ac�vi�es, the center's introduc�on, progress on the capacity building
support package, and panel discussions on regional support schemes for Ar�cle 6
implementa�on. He emphasized the importance of ﬁnding solu�ons for survival anda safer future through Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on.

2. Session 1: Progress of the A6IP and establishment of the Centre•

Sadamitsu Sakoguchi, Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ)o Mr. Sakoguchi presented an overview of the accomplishments and future endeavors
concerning the A6IP, underscoring the pivotal role of Ar�cle 6 in mi�ga�ng global
greenhouse gas emissions and fostering decarboniza�on markets. Launched in 2022,
the partnership has atracted the par�cipa�on from 69 countries and 34 interna�onalorganiza�ons. Key ac�vi�es of A6IP encompass the arrangement for thema�c working
groups, the provision of technical support, and the dissemina�on of research ﬁndings
and best prac�ces through A6IP’s online pla�orm. He further elaborated on the
progress made with regard to the authoriza�on, repor�ng and tracking working
groups, and explained that the three working groups have an emphasis on ins�tu�onal
arrangements, project authoriza�on procedures, repor�ng processes, and othertopics. He stressed that the expansion of capacity-building eﬀorts with ac�ve
involvement from par�cipants remains as a central theme in 2023. Addi�onally, heintroduced the A6IP Center, which is dedicated to formula�ng customized capacitybuilding support packages.

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Kazuhisa Koakutsu, Director of A6IP Centero Mr. Koakutsu announced that he has taken the new posi�on as Director of the A6IP
Center. This center is situated at IGES Headquarters, nestled within a mountainous
region. Currently, the A6IP center operates with a team of six dedicated staﬀ members,
and is in the process of expanding its workforce to beter support Ar�cle 6
implementa�on.
oFurthermore, A6IP is developing capacity-building materials, built upon inputs fromthe Authoriza�on, Repor�ng, and Tracking Working Groups. These materials aredesigned to serve as a common resource accessible to everyone interested in the
topics. While these materials are being developed, A6IP is organizing the next
Authoriza�on Working Group mee�ng on September 26th. Following COP28, A6IP
an�cipates ﬁnalizing these materials through discussions and contribu�ons from its
partners, making them readily available for capacity-building purposes.

oIn addi�on, it is crucial to emphasize the involvement of the private sector in A6IP's
ini�a�ves. A6IP will collaborate closely with IETA to deliver two webinars by the endof FY2023. Furthermore, online courses will be developed to provide government
oﬃcials, private sector professionals, NGOs, and all stakeholders with a beter
understanding of Ar�cle 6 and its implica�ons.

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3. Session 2: Regional Support for Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on•

Chathep Chanyam, A6IP Centero A6IP presented the ongoing regional and in-country level support ac�vi�es around theworld. Although some of the support ini�a�ves may have been missing out in thispresenta�on, A6IP aims to improve and update our database so to present up-to-date
and accurate informa�on . In addi�on, A6IP shared the lesson learned from theimplementa�on of Ar�cle 6 based on partners’ views and feedback from several
mee�ngs in the past. These lessons included the limited understanding of Ar�cle 6
guidance, the importance to peer-learning, the need for tailored support package, thelack of knowledge from the private sector, and the urgence to promote interministerial coordina�on. Lastly, A6IP also presented how A6IP aims to facilitate Ar�cle
6 capacity building ac�vi�es such as enriching the understanding of Ar�cle 6,
promo�ng joint eﬀorts and mutual learning, avoiding duplica�on of eﬀorts, andencouraging coopera�on between regional bodies and partner ins�tu�ons.

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Perumal Arumugam, UNFCCCC Secretariato Mr. Arumugam expressed support for UNFCCC secretariat (UNFCCC) contribu�on to
the A6IP. UNFCCC highlighted ongoing regional ac�vi�es, including a recent series
webinar that served as the precursors to the upcoming regional training programs at
Regional Climate Weeks in Africa, MENA, La�n America, and Asia-Paciﬁc. The regional
training programs will cover various aspects related to Ar�cle 6, NDC achievements,
carbon markets, voluntary carbon markets and CDM transi�on. Mr. Arumugam alsoemphasized the need for sensi�zing stakeholders about the transi�on of ac�vi�esunder Ar�cle 6.4 and poten�al risks involved. He also men�oned that UNFCCC’s
webinars discussed the overlap between voluntary and compliance carbon markets.
Lastly, he shared that UNFCCC has recruited six regional carbon pricing and Ar�cle 6
experts sta�oned at the RCCs in diﬀerent regions to help UNFCCC provide capacity
building programmes and deliver direct country support. UNFCCC will con�nue toprovide capacity-building ac�vi�es across the regions in the coming years and improvethem through feedback from audiences and stakeholders.

•Hari Gadde, World Banko Mr. Gadde outlined the World Bank's engagement with Ar�cle 6, emphasizing its
support across diverse channels and regions. The Partnership for Market
Implementa�on (PMI) is the World Bank’s main facility, and is providing aids to 17
countries in Africa, Asia, La�n America, and the Paciﬁc. PMI encompasses regional,na�onal, and stakeholder capacity-building eﬀorts. Mr. Gadde shared examples ofcapacity-building ac�vi�es in West Africa, Southern Africa, and the Paciﬁc andhighlighted World Bank’s collabora�on with regional partners. He stressed theimportance of understanding the interac�on of interna�onal markets with domes�c
carbon pricing, and introduced World Bank’s regional lending programs and carbon
market poten�al, along with its partnerships and par�cipa�on in climate events. The
Bank's priori�es include enhancing regional capacity, formula�ng policy frameworks,
establishing required infrastructure, and developing voluntary carbon markets in the
PMI countries, with con�nued ini�a�ves in Southern Africa, the Paciﬁc, and La�n
America.

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Ousmane Fall Sarr, West African Alliance.
o Mr. Sarr introduced that the West African Alliance, established in 2016, aims tofacilitate ac�ve par�cipa�on of West African countries in carbon markets and mobilize
addi�onal funding for NDC implementa�on. The Alliance has conducted variousac�vi�es, including technical prepara�ons for nego�a�ons on carbon markets,pilo�ng ac�vi�es related to Ar�cle 6, facilita�ng peer-to-peer learning, raising4

awareness among policymakers, enhancing private sector engagement, anddeveloping policy briefs. The Alliance provides in-country support for Ar�cle 6
implementa�on and is developing a web-based pla�orm for member countries,
aiming to create a dynamic blueprint for Ar�cle 6. While recognizing the advantagesof regional approaches, such as crea�ng larger markets, mainstreaming climatechange in regional integra�on frameworks, and increasing nego�a�on power, Mr. Sarr
acknowledged several challenges. These include the diﬃculty in integra�ng diﬀerent
regulatory frameworks, the existence of capacity dispari�es, the lack of access toﬁnance, the urgency to build poli�cal awareness, and the need for coordina�on ofac�vi�es funded by partners. He suggested to focus on sub-regions for capacitybuilding eﬀorts, enhance peer learning, address fairness in carbon pricing, improvegovernance, and assist countries in project origina�on.
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Isaac Rubayiza, Eastern African Allianceo Mr. Rubayiza shared that the Eastern African Alliance aims to support members intransi�oning from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to Ar�cle 6 andimplemen�ng Ar�cle 6 to achieve their NDCs. The Alliance has conducted ac�vi�essuch as developing country proﬁles, assessing sectors, formula�ng an Ar�cle 6
blueprint for Uganda, and providing capacity building. The Alliance seeks to address
the challenges resul�ng from the discrepancies in na�onal priori�es, sector-speciﬁc
focus, policy frameworks, and governance capabili�es. In the Eastern African region,
the countries have iden�ﬁed their thema�c priori�es including the AFOLU sector,
energy, transport, waste, private sector involvement, technology transfer, and capacity
building. The Alliance believes regional collabora�on through the A6IP can facilitate
peer learning, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technical assistance.
Regional collabora�on will also create pla�orms for benchmarking and ul�mately
enhancing the eﬀec�veness of Ar�cle 6 implementa�on in the region.

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Cris�na Figueroa Vargas, Paciﬁc Alliance, Ministry of Environment, Chileo Ms. Vargas men�oned that the Paciﬁc Alliance has devoted its eﬀorts to carbon pricing
instruments and regional coopera�on. The Paciﬁc Alliance, established in 2011, aims
to enhance MRV systems for GHG emissions, explore carbon pricing instruments, andpoten�ally implement carbon market mechanisms. Ms. Vargas emphasized theadvantages of regional alliances as these alliances were established ins�tu�onalpla�orms for coopera�on. Challenges include the costs and beneﬁts of Ar�cle 6
implementa�on, ensuring safeguards, addressing capacity limita�ons, and improving
ins�tu�onal infrastructure. The Alliance focuses on diverse working areas, including
mi�ga�on ac�vi�es, climate ﬁnance, and carbon pricing instruments. The Allianceseeks collabora�on and capacity building opportuni�es through workshops andknowledge sharing with experts, highligh�ng the need for online resources to support
training, especially due to professional rota�ons within their ins�tu�ons. Addi�onally,
Ms. Vargas highlighted opportuni�es within the Paciﬁc Alliance, with the poten�aladdi�on of Costa Rica and Ecuador as new members and suggested further
collabora�ons through the Alliance's MRV technical subgroup to leverage experiencesand exper�se in carbon pricing and related areas.

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Virender Kumar Duggal, Asian Development Banko Mr. Duggal outlined two primary roles for regional banks. First, regional banks help
countries bridge capacity and knowledge gaps by oﬀering support in policy
development, infrastructure, and project prepara�on to assist the countries in thetransi�on to the Paris Agreement and in exploring carbon market opportuni�es.
Second, regional banks mobilize carbon ﬁnance to catalyze investments in low-carbon
technologies. Addi�onally, Mr. Duggal men�oned ADB’s ac�ve engagement in5

capacity-building eﬀorts through the Ar�cle 6 Support Facility, and role of ADB in
facilita�ng discussions on interna�onal carbon market opportuni�es. He stressed theneed for countries to integrate carbon markets into broader carbon pricing strategies
and climate policies, and emphasized the importance of proper frameworks andguidelines. Finally, he shared that ADB aims to support capacity building, project
development, and carbon market naviga�on while fostering a project pipeline forcarbon ﬁnance and private sector investments.
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Jan-Willem van de Ven, European Bank for Reconstruc�on and Development (EBRD)o Mr. Van de Ven shared that the EBRD has an extensive geographical reach, spanningfrom Eastern Europe to Mongolia, Turkey, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, and isin discussion of expanding the geographic scope into sub-Saharan Africa. The EBRD
gives its primary focus on the private sector, which cons�tutes over 70% of EBRD’s
ac�vi�es. The EBRD emphasizes the importance of contextualizing Ar�cle 6 within abroader landscape of carbon market instruments, including domes�c emissions
trading schemes, VCM, CORSIA, and poten�al market mechanisms. The EBRD
envisages a growing role for MDBs in suppor�ng long-term climate strategies and NDC
updates while considering the impact of export credits on NDCs. Mr. Van de Ven
stressed the signiﬁcance of risk management and poli�cal discussions in carbon
management. Furthermore, the EBRD expresses a keen interest in collabora�ng withinterna�onal partnerships like A6IP and in exploring connec�ons with ﬁnanceministers through ini�a�ves such as the Coali�on of Finance Ministers for Climate
Ac�on He also proposed to organize joint events to engage ﬁnance ministers indiscussions on carbon pricing and trading within climate ﬁnance strategies.

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Pedro Venzon, Interna�onal Emissions Trading Associa�on (IETA)o Mr. Venzon, represen�ng IETA, introduced IETA’s engagement with over 300 private
sector nonproﬁt associa�ons which focusing on promo�ng high-integrity marketbased climate solu�ons. He highlighted the private sector's poten�al in suppor�ng theopera�onaliza�on of Ar�cle 6 by oﬀering products and solu�ons to address
botlenecks faced by countries, such as registries, MRV tools, insurance products, andra�ng agencies to increase ﬁnancial ﬂows, ambi�on, and environmental integrity. He
stressed the importance of considering B2B funding to help governments achieve their
NDCs, poten�ally through carbon pricing instruments. Mr. Venzon introduced IETA's
Business Partnership for Market Implementa�on (B-PMI) program, which aims to build
capacity through guidance materials, webinars, and workshops while coordina�ngwith exis�ng local ini�a�ves. He emphasized the need for interna�onal-local actor
connec�ons and regional collabora�on, exempliﬁed by IETA’s engagement with West
African countries. IETA’s key takeaways from regional collabora�on include theimportance of coordina�on across diﬀerent scales, iden�fying key partners,
recognizing the evolving nature of carbon markets, and maintaining an ongoing
dialogue adapted to changing circumstances.

4. Session 3: Informa�on sharing from partners•

Akio Takemoto, United Na�ons University Ins�tute for Advanced Study of Sustainabilityo Mr. Takemoto introduced the United Na�ons University Ins�tute for the Advanced
Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)'s programme on research and capacity building forsustainability and environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement. The UNUIAS introduced a new specializa�on in the Paris Agreement as part of its postgraduate
degree program, aimed at training future leaders and prac��oners equipped with theknowledge and skills to implement climate ac�ons, including Ar�cle 6, under the Paris
Agreement. This program includes prac�cal training, coursework, and internships to6

prepare students, par�cularly from developing countries, for climate-related
challenges and repor�ng, fostering interna�onal coopera�on and capacity building.
The program also highlights the poten�al for collabora�on with partner organiza�ons
in implemen�ng prac�cum training on carbon markets and other key topics to support
Ar�cle 6 implementa�on.
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Karen Holm Olsen, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC)
o Ms. Olsen explained UNEP Copenhagen Climate Center’s organiza�on's role insuppor�ng Ar�cle 6 implementa�on through a research-based approach. The UNEPCCC is carrying out an integrated Ar�cle 6 assessment with funding support from theEuropean Commission Addi�onally, the UNEP-CCC is implemen�ng a Sustainable
Development Ini�a�ve for Ar�cle 6 and is developing a toolbox of support modules
for developing countries. The UNEP-CCC has a focus on data analysis, the interlinkage
between Ar�cle 6 and voluntary carbon markets, and the importance of coopera�veapproaches for emissions reduc�on. Ms. Olsen also men�oned that the UNEP-CCC
provides support on governance frameworks, emissions planning, and a communityof prac�ce for capacity building. Finally, Ms. Olsen shared UNEP-CCC’s policy dialogue
eﬀorts, as her team supports the development of the SDG tools, and undertakes
knowledge-sharing ini�a�ves like webinars and podcasts.

5. Closing remark•

Yasuo Takahashi, Execu�ve Director, IGESo Mr. Takahashi, on behalf of IGES, expressed gra�tude to the panelists and the audience
for their contribu�ons and par�cipa�on in the Ar�cle 6 Implementa�on Partnership(A6IP) Plenary Mee�ng. Mr. Takahashi underscored that A6IP aims to enhancecountries' Na�onally Determined Contribu�ons (NDCs) through the eﬀec�ve use ofAr�cle 6. He men�oned that the focus on Ar�cle 6 has been transi�oning from poli�cal
discussions to more technical delibera�ons at COP28. He iterated that the A6IP willcontribute to the discussions on the ways in which countries can leverage Ar�cle 6 toexpedite their climate eﬀorts and improve their NDCs. Addi�onally, to the A6IP willdevelop user-friendly capacity-building programs with clear rules and examples forAr�cle 6 prac��oners, and will develop a support package in collabora�on withpartners tailored to the needs of in u�lizing Ar�cle 6 eﬀec�vely. The A6IP is keen on
collabora�ng synergis�cally with all stakeholders.

6. Summary of Key takeaways

The key takeaways from panelists can be captured as follows:
1. Signiﬁcance of Ar�cle 6: The 2nd Plenary Mee�ng underscored the cri�cal roleof Ar�cle 6 in mi�ga�ng global greenhouse gas emissions, s�mula�ng
decarboniza�on markets, and enhancing climate eﬀorts worldwide.
2. Focus on Capacity Building: Capacity building emerged as a central theme,with an emphasis on developing technical materials, oﬀering training, andfacilita�ng understanding of Ar�cle 6 for government oﬃcials, private sector
professionals, NGOs, and stakeholders.
3. Interna�onal and Regional Support: Various regional alliances andinterna�onal organiza�ons are ac�vely engaged in suppor�ng Ar�cle 6
implementa�on, with an emphasis on capacity building, peer learning, andcollabora�on as well as suppor�ng mobiliza�on of carbon ﬁnance.
4. Private Sector Engagement: The private sector, represented by organiza�ons
like IETA, is viewed as a key partner in facilita�ng Ar�cle 6 implementa�on, as
such organiza�ons oﬀer products and solu�ons to address challenges.
75. Collabora�on and Synergy: Collabora�on among stakeholders, including
regional alliances, interna�onal organiza�ons, and the private sector, wasemphasized as vital for successful Ar�cle 6 implementa�on.

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