More Background on the SBI

The SBI is currently shifting to a new and transitional phase towards monitoring, reviewing and verifying (MRV) functions and demonstrating progress in implementing the Bali Action Plan.

In 2013, the SBI had the challenging task of managing the shift in focus towards the MRV issues with the launch of the international assessment and review (IAR) and international consultations and analysis (ICA) in 2014, and work on nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs). Loss and damage and adaptation finance is another area where progress was made under the SBI by reaching an agreement on a loss and damage mechanism and pledging funds in the range of US$ 100 million to the adaptation fund.  

On adaptation, finance and technology transfer, the focus was on finding the best way to manage relevant issues in the SBI agenda while making the best use of the increasing role of the specialized bodies and institutions that have been created in Cancun and Durban and operationalized in Doha (e.g. Adaptation Committee, Standing Committee on Finance, and the Technology Mechanism), to deal with the relevant issues. While the technical discussions under these traditional items are now being taken up under the constituted bodies, the SBI has the responsibility of maintaining the political momentum and ensuring transparency on these matters.

The SBI works together with the SBSTA on cross-cutting issues that touch on both their areas of expertise. These include capacity building, the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change and response measures, the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, and key political issues such as the 2013-2015 review, the full spectrum of discussions under the the Technology Mechanism, the work of the Adaptation Committee and co-ordination of support for REDD plus.

The SBSTA and the SBI have traditionally met in parallel twice a year. When they are not meeting in conjunction with the COP, the subsidiary bodies usually convene at the seat of the secretariat in Bonn, Germany. 

Secretariat contact for SBI coordination. (98 kB)