Date : 25 July 2022


Today was the first day of professional training on GHG. Nevertheless, before describing the events and impressions after the first day of training, I would like to make note of the significance of this training for me.

I have applied for the training upon receiving information (about the training) from our UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) colleagues who coordinated the preparation of the Fourth BiH national report, that I took part in as well. I have looked at the invitation and decided to apply without hesitating.

The invitation to the training came at the best possible time, given that we are currently developing MRV system in BiH with a focus on GHG inventory. The GHG development is a new field and approach that still doesn't make a part of the regular education system or curricula at faculties, so this training is of particular importance to me, in that context. All the previous climate change trainings, GHG and similar trainings that I have participated in were mainly two-day trainings without a learning-by-doing approach. This is the first time that I have the opportunity to participate in a three-week professional training, to work with professionals and get the chance to cooperate and exchange experiences with colleagues from different countries. When an opportunity like that comes along, you have got to take it! 
In addition, this is a priceless opportunity to get to know a new beautiful country, its people, its way of life and civilizational achievements. A trip to Seoul is one of the most wonderful adventures!

After I signed up for the training and had an interview, I received a notification that I was one of the selected training participants. At that moment, I was very happy, but also rather proud of myself, knowing that this was a great opportunity and chance for my professional advancement.

In terms of the organization of the trip to Korea, receiving all the technical details related to the training, I can only express my compliments to the Secretariat and the organizers. Every information about the training was provided timely and all instructions were clear, which certainly makes it easier for the participants to come to Korea and organize their time.

Today was the first day of our training. It started with a detailed presentation of the program agenda by Milan Oh. All participants were introduced with the training rules, while special attention was given to our safety regarding Covid 19 pandemic. Participants were kindly invited to communicate with the Secretariat in case of any problem. 

After this introduction, 28 trainees from 24 countries have introduced themselves. I have realized that the group is very diverse thus composed of people with different knowledge and expertise. 

Warm welcoming remarks were given by Mr. Heungwon Seo, GIR President followed by the welcoming speech by Mrs. Roziya Kirgizbekova, Advisor from PATPA. Both of them pointed out the importance and value of the training for further activities. Trainees were also invited to get informed about PATPA knowledge products.



Picture 1. Welcoming remarks were given by Mr. Heungwon Seo, GIR President


After nice lunch and tasting the local food, we continued with Keynote lecture that was given by Mrs. Min-Young Han who talked about her experience in climate change negotiations.



Picture 2. Keynote lecture that was given by Mrs. Min-Young Han

She presented some historical facts, starting from UNFCCC negotiations in 1990, Kyoto Protocol and finishing with Glasgow Climate Pact in 2021. She was focused on Convention CBDR principles explaining that countries do not share same responsibilities. Mrs. Min-Young Han provided other valuable information to trainees, explained the difference between Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. The second part of the presentation was focused on the outcome of COP 26 in which more than 40,000 people participated. Summary of COP 26 was presented as well as mitigation activities and plans, including implementation mechanism. The important COP26 outcome was making a balanced outcome on mitigation, adaptation and the finance. One of COP26 key progress points is to keep 1,5°C. Lecturer also presented Korea’s Action Plan in achieving Carbon Net-zero by 2050 pointing out that Korea provides significant financial contribution for activities. Sharing of Korean experience were very valuable and useful lessons to all participants. Presentation was followed by many questions from trainees.

After keynote Lecture, we continued with Transparency MPGs under the Paris Agreement topic presented by Mr. Jae H. Jung from Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He made an introduction on Paris Agreement, INDCs, Status of Ratification. Key provisions in Paris Agreement focusing on specific articles (e.g. 2 and 4) and relevant COP21 Decisions were presented (e.g. Decision 1/CP.21, Mitigation, Paragraph 22~40). Mr. Jae H. Jung pointed out that is important to set up inventory and publish annual data. COP24 Katowice Package and COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact were presented as well. Presentation included the Korean experience when it comes to Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. Lecturer has made a great effort combining the “theory” with his practical experience and providing trainees with all documents presented.



Picture 3. Lecturer Mr. Jae H. Jung from Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

After this part, trainees started with group activities discussing needs/flexibility of countries to prepare National Inventory Report. Chapter II was a basic document for discussion - National inventory report of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases.
After the analysis and experience exchange, each group presented their findings. In general, challenging issues for countries are QA/QC, emission factors, institutional arrangement, role of the focal point institution, challenges in applying Tier2 etc. Each group specifically pointed out great need for capacity building. 
At the end, we can conclude that the countries are facing same challenges in GHG inventory set up. Group work was great opportunity for experience exchange.





Pictures 4. and 5. Group work activities




Coordinator's comments:
I am truly impressed by such a detailed journal of yours, Melisa! 
Reading your journal, it brings back memories of the very first encounter with you and everyone on a wonderful summer day in Seoul.
Thank you for applying to the training programme. It has been our honour to invite you as our trainee.