In order to build societies resilient to climate change and achieve the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) set forth in the Paris Agreement, a key for the achievement is that climate science, policy, and implementation of the policy complement each other. The Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT), which was initiated by Japan, aims to support promotion of decision-making based on the best available science which considers climate change risk and effective climate change adaptation measures in the Asia-Pacific region. Concretely, AP-PLAT has been promoting development of “scientific information infrastructure” and “adaptation support tools” as well as “capacity development” with a strong intention of collaboration among countries, local governments, and relevant organizations in the region.

This session will focus on the AP-PLAT’s “capacity development” activities, review its past activities and look at its future prospects for the climate resilient Asia-Pacific region. The session will invite adaptation policy researcher, climate science tool developer and climate policy practitioners from developing countries involved in capacity development programs; discuss how to effectively bridge science and policy, how to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation in an integrated manner, significance and roles of AP-PLAT capacity development programs; and examine future challenges to form the Asia-Pacific region that is resilient to climate change. Through the discussion, the session aims to compile recommendations for future capacity development activities under AP-PLAT.