NAP Expo Asia 2017

11 September 2017, Seoul - With the goal to build climate change resilience in Asia, representatives from more than 20 countries are now gathering in Seoul, South Korea. This landmark regional event on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) is the first ‘NAP Expo’ for Asia, and will galvanise adaptation efforts in the region.

This month, severe monsoon rains have caused disastrous floods, killed at least 1,200 people, and left millions displaced in South Asia. Climate change has likely played a role in exacerbating the heavy rains, which have led to unprecedented landslides and floods, offering a glimpse of a potentially chaotic climate future.

At the opening of the NAP Expo for Asia, Youssef Nassef, Director, Adaptation Programme, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said, 'We stand in solidarity with those affected by recent hurricanes and floods, and our thoughts and hearts are with them. We are reminded of the urgent need to advance concrete actions to enhance resilience to climate change, and the NAPs are one vehicle towards this end.’

The two-day event is mobilising action for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, which will help vulnerable Asian countries to adapt to climate change effectively over the long term. Delegates are sharing technical knowledge and tools, and identifying gaps and needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing countries, as they undertake steps towards the formulation and implementation of NAPs.

Abias Huongo, Chair of LDC Expert Group (LEG), UNFCCC, said ‘A vision of the LEG is to see LDCs formulating NAPs by 2018, and at the latest by 2020. This NAP Expo for Asia will encourage this process.’

This is the first NAP Expo for Asia, following global NAP Expos annually since 2013. It is organized by the LEG, and hosted by the UNFCCC and the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea, and co-organized by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) and the Korea Adaptation Center for Climate Change (KACCC) in partnership with the joint UN Development Programme (UNDP) - UN Environment Programme (UN Environment) NAP Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP).

Mozaharul Alam, Regional Climate Change Coordinator, UN Environment, said, 'This event is a great example of partnership in climate change adaptation. The joint UNDP - UN Environment NAP-GSP has supported 45 developing countries to advance their NAPs.’

A rich array of topics is planned for discussion over two days, aiming to 'take the temperature' on the state of climate change and adaptation in Asia. Approximately 250 participants are gathering, comprising representatives of governments, UN agencies, NGOs, environmental organisations, universities, UN agencies, development agencies and adaptation experts and members of civil society groups.

Through plenary keynote sessions, thematic breakouts and an exhibition 'Marketplace', participants will consider development and economic pathways in Asia, and adaptation solutions for key systems and sectors. Overall, the value of the NAP will be underscored as crucial platform to coordinate and enhance actions on climate change adaptation, including achieving the SDGs and the NDCs on adaptation. Opportunities for financial support for the formulation of NAPs will also be considered.

Voicing the mood of enthusiasm and urgency for climate action in Asia at the NAP Expo, Howard Bamsey, Executive Director, Green Climate Fund (GCF) said, ‘Let's use this vital moment to support the most vulnerable countries at this time of great need’

In his keynote speech at the opening session, Jae Chun Choe, Co-chairman, National Assembly Forum on Climate Change said, ‘Let’s work together and with nature to preserve biodiversity and adapt to climate change threats.’

Byeong-ok Ahn, Vice Minister of Environment, Republic of Korea, said, 'This forum will be of vital importance for seeking practical measures for climate change adaptation in Asia.'

Kwang Kook Park, President of Korea Environment Institute (KEI) said, ‘This is a critical moment in the global effort to deal with the catastrophic impacts of climate change'

Thomasz Chruszczow, Chair of Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), UNFCCC, said, ‘'The Paris Agreement for the first time brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.’

For more information: http://napexpo.org/asia/ Twitter: @NAP_Central; #NAPExpo