The Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) process presents an opportunity for least-developed countries to reflect on their needs to achieve their development goals, identify gaps, and technological solutions needed to address the identified gaps or constraints. The process also provides recommendations on national strategies and policy frameworks to achieve key national priorities and development goals.
Delivering her opening remarks, the Director of the Pacific Centre for Environment & Sustainable Development at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Professor of Ocean and Climate Change, Elisabeth Holland, emphasised its significance:
“The TNA process is country-led and participatory. It involves stakeholders from various sectors and thematic areas, including government line ministries, youth, women, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, International Organizations, and other development actors. The process aims to be demand-driven, with a clear sense of ownership by the country. Therefore, it is initiated based on requests from the country, which is of fundamental importance.”
The workshop’s primary objective is to equip National TNA Coordinators and Consultants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively identify barriers and inefficiencies and enable frameworks for technology deployment. Additionally, the workshop seeks to enhance outreach and awareness of national technology needs, facilitating the attraction of funding for implementing priority technologies.
It is part of the fourth phase of the TNA project. Through the project, UN Environment, through UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, helps developing countries determine their technology priorities for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The TNA project is funded by the Global Environment Facility and is implemented in close collaboration with the UNFCCC.
Equipped for climate technology implementation
The workshop brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government line ministries, youth organisations, women’s groups, the private sector, NGOs, international organisations, and other development actors.
USP’s role during the workshop is to serve as a hub that brings together experts in mitigation and adaptation. As the regional centre for Pacific Adaptation and Mitigation expertise, it offers technical support throughout the project implementation. This support includes conducting in-country missions and workshops and providing guidance and advice on applying the TNA tools and methodologies throughout the three-day workshop and project implementation.
The workshop’s primary objective is to promote sustainable development by addressing technology gaps and facilitate the implementation of priority technologies. It aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful technology implementation. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, this event will contribute to the overall success of the TNA process in the participating countries.
Throughout the three-day workshop, participants from Timor Leste, Tonga, and Tuvalu will have the opportunity to engage with experts from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and USP.