The AC is part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework, which was established during COP16. The AC’s goal is to promote the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation in a coherent manner under the Convention, inter alia, through the following functions:

-Providing technical support and guidance to the Parties;

– Sharing of relevant information, knowledge, experience and good practices;

– Promoting synergy and strengthening engagement with national, regional and international organizations, centres and networks;

– Providing information and recommendations, drawing on adaptation good practices, for consideration by the COP when providing guidance on means to incentivize the implementation of adaptation actions, including finance, technology and capacity-building;

– Considering information communicated by Parties on their monitoring and review of adaptation actions, support provided and received.

A three-year work plan defines the AC’s activities. The current workplan covers the years 2019 to 2021. Additionally, the COP can assign additional tasks to the AC. The AC comprises 16 members including representatives from the five UN regional groups, Small Island Development States (SIDS), LDC, Non-Annex I and Annex I Parties. Since it is a technical body, members serve in their personal capacity and do not represent parties.

The AC meets twice a year, usually around March and September. It reports to the COP annually. The 2019 report has not been acknowledged by the parties during COP25 due t

Despite the potential for discussion, adoption of the report is a formality. During COP25, however, a debate was sparked off by the recommendations of the Technical Examination Process on Adaptation. Once a year (until 2020), experts are invited to take a closer look at a topic predefined by the Adaptation Committee. In 2019, this topic was “Adaptation finance, including the private sector.” Parts of the countries of the Global South interpret the focus on private adaptation financing as an attempt by the countries of the Global North to evade their financial responsibility and, in contrast, call for increased public funding. Furthermore, they wanted to remove any reference to the topic from the report, which was not acceptable for the countries of the Global North in particular. The meeting was accordingly adjourned without result until SB52.