Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)

Overview

The Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) is the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and is hosted by the UN Environment Programme. The Centre promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries. The CTC provides technology solutions, capacity building and advice on policy, legal and regulatory frameworks tailored to the needs of individual countries by harnessing the expertise of a global network of technology companies and institutions.

The CTCN consists of two parts: a centre—a coordinating entity located in UN City Copenhagen—and a worldwide network of organizations that delivers CTCN services—both virtually and actually. In short, the centre operates the network, and together they constitute the CTCN.

The CTCN facilitates the transfer of technologies through three core services:

  • Providing technical assistance at the request  of developing countries to accelerate the transfer of  climate technologies;
  • Creating access to information and knowledge on climate technologies.
  • Fostering collaboration among climate technology stakeholders via the Centre’s network of regional and sectoral experts from academia, the private sector, and public and research institutions.

Through these services, we aim to address barriers that hinder the development and transfer of climate technologies, and to thereby help create an enabling environment for:

  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and climate vulnerability
  • Improved local innovation capacities
  • Increased investments in climate technology projects.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the CTCN with the support of a consortium of partners (see below) that are engaged in some 1,500 activities related to climate technologies in over 150 countries.