From 6-8 September 2021, the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) convened for its 25th meeting. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, which means that some SCF members and observers were present in Bonn, while others participated virtually. Since the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this has been the first time that a part of the participants has been able to meet in person. Chaired by Mr. Ismo Ulvila (European Union) and Mr. Ayman Shasly (Saudi Arabia), the meeting discussed several agenda items to define next steps in the Committee’s work going forward, with a special view towards COP26 in November. The items discussed, included the Fourth Biennial Assessment and Overview of Climate Finance Flows (BA); the first report on the determination of the needs of developing countries related to the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement (NDR); the Draft guidance to the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism; planning for the next Forum of the SCF; as well as discussing linkages with the Subsidiary Body for Implementation and the constituted bodies of the Convention. Some days ahead of the meeting, a technical stakeholder dialogue had been conducted virtually, to present the latest updates on the BA and NDR, including a round of discussion with participants. [...]
