Colombo facilitates climate transparency regional momentum as a recent workshop brought together countries across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen cooperation on climate reporting, agrifood systems, and preparations for COP31.
Colombo facilitates climate transparency, agrifood systems and COP31 engagement
A three-day regional workshop held in Colombo concluded with renewed commitments to enhance collaboration on climate transparency, strengthen agrifood systems, and coordinate engagement ahead of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026. The event brought together government representatives, technical experts, farmers’ organisations, and development partners from across Asia, the Pacific, and Central Asia.
Hosted by Sri Lanka’s Environment Ministry and organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the workshop focused on advancing the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and strengthening reporting systems under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Participants engaged in technical exchanges on improving transparency systems, including Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), which are critical to tracking progress and ensuring accountability in climate action.
A central theme throughout the discussions was the importance of robust national transparency frameworks. Participants noted that beyond fulfilling international reporting obligations, these systems play a key role in enabling evidence-based policymaking, strengthening investment planning, and enhancing credibility in global climate negotiations. The integration of transparency into national development strategies was highlighted as essential for aligning climate goals with economic priorities.
The workshop also underscored the growing recognition of agrifood systems as a cornerstone of climate action. Delegates emphasized that transforming agriculture and food systems is vital not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for ensuring food security, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable rural development. The need for integrated policies linking climate action with trade, investment, and governance frameworks was widely acknowledged.
Farmers’ organisations and cooperatives were identified as critical stakeholders in this transition. Participants stressed that empowering these groups can accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient and low-emission agricultural practices. Discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning national policies with regional and international frameworks to ensure cohesive and effective implementation.
Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national transparency systems were showcased during the workshop. These efforts are supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT), which aims to enhance countries’ ability to meet their reporting obligations and improve data systems. Additional support has been provided through FAO-led initiatives, including projects focused on agrifood systems and climate action.
Senior officials emphasized that transparency is fundamental to effective climate cooperation. Environment Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala highlighted that transparency fosters trust, accountability, and collaboration among nations. By sharing progress, challenges, and innovations openly, countries can strengthen collective action and accelerate progress toward climate goals.
FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Vimlendra Sharan noted that strong transparency systems enable countries to better monitor NDC implementation, identify gaps, and improve access to climate finance. These systems also enhance coordination among national institutions and support more informed decision-making in climate policy.
From an international perspective, representatives from development partners stressed the urgency of integrating agriculture more prominently into climate negotiations. Anna Berg, representing Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, pointed out that farmers are already experiencing the direct impacts of climate change, making it essential for their realities to be reflected in global policy discussions.
Throughout the workshop, participants shared practical experiences related to greenhouse gas inventories, adaptation reporting, institutional coordination, and NDC tracking. These exchanges highlighted both common challenges and opportunities for strengthening national systems and improving regional collaboration.
The discussions also reinforced the importance of South-South and interregional cooperation. Participants identified pathways to accelerate knowledge sharing, enhance cross-sectoral coordination, and strengthen linkages between transparency systems and broader climate action strategies. Such collaboration is expected to play a critical role in shaping coordinated regional positions ahead of COP31.
A notable feature of the workshop was the introduction of a new FAO initiative aimed at improving methane monitoring in rice production systems using remote sensing technologies. Supported by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the initiative will initially focus on pilot activities in countries such as Viet Nam and Cambodia, with the goal of enhancing greenhouse gas reporting and supporting mitigation efforts in the agriculture sector.
As the workshop concluded, participants outlined several follow-up actions, including the development of regional roadmaps linking NDC implementation with transparency reporting and investment priorities. Capacity-building efforts, enhanced regional coordination, and contributions to COP31 preparations were also identified as key priorities moving forward.
The outcomes of the workshop are expected to contribute to a regional knowledge product that documents experiences and best practices in implementing climate transparency systems and advancing agrifood transformation. As Colombo facilitates climate transparency regional momentum, the initiative reflects a broader commitment across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen climate governance and accelerate progress toward shared environmental goals.