Theme: Africa in the Global Goal on Adaptation 

Convener: Africa Research and Impact Network under the auspices of the STEP Change Metrics  Working Group and Partners 

Series Chair: Joanes Atela

Background 

Significant efforts have been made over the past decade to accelerate adaptation, particularly for the  most vulnerable groups within communities. Initiatives such as Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) or  Community-Based Adaptation have emphasized localized decision-making, financing, and  technologies. Concurrently, efforts are underway towards setting goals and targets that can guide the  adaptation actions and ambitions of countries. The establishment of the Global Goal on Adaptation  framework during COP 28 is intended to provide a clear framework and targets to guide adaptation  efforts, measure progress, and enhance support for adaptation in developing nations.  

The outcome of the UAE-Belém work programme, to be presented at COP 30, will mark a significant  milestone towards actualizing the GGA. However, many stakeholders still lack understanding of the  GGA process and its ability to account for all voices in the ongoing global aggregation. In Africa,  bridging the gap between local aspirations and the GGA is critical, considering the continent’s  emphasis on adaptation in their Nationally Determined Contributions as part of their commitment to  the Paris Agreement. Under the Locally Led Adaptation Metrics for Africa project, ARIN has established  a LAMA Digital Platform aimed at fostering learning and consolidating LLA indicators across Africa.  Part of the components is to facilitate learning around locally led metrics bringing together key  stakeholders to regularly share insights on adaptation measurement. 

This note focuses on Component 4 of the platform, “Stakeholder Engagement,” which aims to share  insights on adaptation measurement. By convening stakeholders involved in adaptation initiatives,  the platform facilitates the sharing of experiences, tools, and indicators. Ultimately, this leads to the  development of locally led and inclusive frameworks and data to inform national planning, the  Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and the Global Stocktake (GST). 

Webinar series  

Session 1  

Title: Unpacking the Global Goal on Adaptation: Process, Indicators, and Gaps 

Objective: This session aims to inform the broader climate change community about the GGA  process and its current outcomes. The session will also identify some of the strengths and gaps in  the process and discuss or suggest ways to make the process more equitable and inclusive. 

Date: June 27, 2025 

Design: the session will involve a presentation on GGA indicators, followed by a panel discussion, a  reflection on the GGA process including effectiveness, inclusion, challenges, and practicality. The  session will end with a plenary Q and A session.  

SESSION 1 : Register here

Session 2  

Title: The GGA Indicators in the context of Africa – Towards the 2025 State of Adaptation Report for  Africa  

Date: August 8, 2025 

Objective: This session will seek to understand the GGA process and resultant indicators in the  context of Africa. Discussions in this session will contribute to the upcoming State of Adaptation for  Africa report currently being coordinated by the Africa Research and Impact Network on behalf of  the Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI). The session will aim to inform participants of the SOAR 2025  plan and receive feedback from stakeholders. The SOAR2025 specifically aims to accelerate  adaptation action by identifying the requirements for Africa to achieve the desired GGA targets.  

Design: The session will involve a presentation of the SOAR process and the current thinking behind  SOAR 2025. A panel discussion will follow focusing on how the GGA indicators reflect on Africa’s  adaptation planning, capacity, institutional arrangements, and financing locally-led actions. The  session will end with a plenary discussion.  

SESSION 2 : Register here

Session 3 

Title: Community-led indicators – interplay with national and global processes Whose Indicators  Count  

Date: August 29, 2025 

Objective: This session aims to present initial insights on locally led adaptation indicators co designed with local communities and how these interact with national and global processes. The  session will include an extended sharing by other LLA interventions on tracking adaptation progress,  including possible impact stories or case studies. The session will further reflect on how these  emerging community-led indicators are converging or diverging from the national and global  processes and indicators. Additionally, the session will explore opportunities for multi-level  harmonization of indicators to ensure that no one is left behind in the adaptation progress. Specific  questions will focus on the GESI indicators are emerging from the community aspirations and the  extent to which these are considered in the ongoing national, regional and global processes. 

Design: The session will involve a presentation of the community-led indicators, followed by a  breakout session where various interventions will share ways in which they are measuring progress.  The final session will be a presentation and a high-level discussion reflecting on the interplay and the  opportunities for harmonization. 

SESSION3 : Register here

Series 4  

Title: Synthesis of Adaptation Metrics for Africa 

Date: October 31, 2025 

Objective: This session will involve a presentation of the synthesis report/analysis incorporating the  webinar insights. The synthesis report will be presented at COP 30 and aims to unpack the GGA  outlook in the context of Africa, identifying process, data availability, and data sources. 

Design: Presentation of key insights in the synthesis paper followed by plenary feedback.  

Expected output and outcome 

Supported by other translational and synthesis work, insights from the webinar series will feed into a  a synthesis paper on the current state of adaptation indicators, existing M&E frameworks, data  sources, and stakeholders involved, including the role of local communities and different genders in  the adaptation measurements. The synthesis paper will be presented at COP 30 and be used to guide  the Africa Group of Negotiators in their engagement with the GGA. The paper will also inform side  events at the COP to promote awareness and an inclusive GGA process. The key outcome is  strengthened equity and inclusion in the GGA process.

SESSION4 : Register here