COP29 has marked a significant milestone in global climate transparency with the first submissions of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) under the Paris Agreement. As the 31 December 2024 deadline for BTR submissions approaches, UN Climate Change and the COP29 Presidency have hosted a series of high-level events to celebrate early adopters of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), which is vital for enhancing climate action and accountability.

The celebrations began on 12 November with the High-Level #Together4Transparency Opening Event. During the event, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva acknowledged Guyana, Panama, and Spain for their prompt submissions.

"Transparency enables stronger climate action," Stiell said. "Each Biennial Transparency Report represents a milestone, capturing the strides made and charting the path ahead." In recognition of their leadership, representatives from these countries were presented with certificates celebrating their commitment to transparency in climate action.

Another key moment came during the High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on 18 November, where additional early submissions were celebrated, including from Andorra, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Maldives, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Türkiye. These submissions were seen as vital for building political momentum towards more transparent global climate action.

Inger Andersen, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasised the value of BTRs in supporting investment and ensuring predictable outcomes: "BTRs provide high-quality, consistent climate data, offering predictability for investment. When data is measured regularly and shared openly, countries are more likely to meet and exceed their commitments."

Germany’s State Secretary Jennifer Morgan also highlighted the importance of transparency in fostering international cooperation: "Trust is at the heart of reaching agreement in any negotiation. That’s why transparency in climate negotiations is so important."

Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas echoed these sentiments, stating, "Transparency is the thread that unites us all."

The discussions also focused on the Baku Transparency Platform (BTP), an initiative by the COP29 Presidency to enhance participation in the ETF and provide greater support, particularly for developing nations. The platform aims to streamline transparency processes and increase the effectiveness of climate data sharing across nations.

Azerbaijan and the European Union submitted their BTRs during the latter days of COP29, and further submissions are expected in the coming weeks. After submission, the reports will undergo technical expert reviews and be discussed during the Facilitative Multilateral Consideration of Progress, providing countries with an opportunity to share successes and challenges.

These reports are set to play a crucial role in shaping international climate action, offering the evidence needed to guide future efforts in the global fight against climate change.