Call for proposals to host the Climate Technology Centre

Pursuant to the decisions relating to the review of the functions of the Climate Technology Centre adopted by the Conference of the Parties COP) at its 30th session and by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement(CMA) at is seventh session, respectively, the secretariat invites interested organizations, including groups of organizations, to submit a proposal to host the Climate Technology Centre secretariat.

Proposals must be submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC secretariat) not later than 16 March 2026 at 23:59 h Central European Time (CET).

Proposals and any attachments to proposals must be submitted in English language via email to ClimateTech@unfccc.int.

Queries received by the secretariat have be compiled and responded below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documentation are interested organizations required to submit to propose hosting the Climate Technology Centre, and how will these submissions be evaluated?

Proposals submitted for hosting of the Climate Technology Centre (CTC) should include the information listed in “Annex 3 - Information required to be included in the proposal” of the Call for proposals to host the Climate Technology Centre | UNFCCC. All proposals will be evaluated against criteria set in “Annex 6 - Criteria for evaluating and selecting the host of the Climate Technology Centre”.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal under this call?

Proposals may be submitted by interested organizations or groups of organizations. In the case of proposals from groups of organizations, the proposal should clearly identify the organizations’ respective responsibilities and roles with regard to contributing to the hosting of the CTC.

What level of financial or in-kind contribution is expected from the host institution?

Applicants are expected to outline both financial and in-kind contributions from the host organization(s), as well as resources to be mobilized. No minimum level of host contribution is prescribed. Please see the “Criteria for evaluating and selecting the host of the CTC”

Which language should proposals be submitted in?

Proposals should be submitted in English.

How should proposal be submitted?

Proposals should be submitted by 16 March 2026 via email to ClimateTech@unfccc.int

Answers to queries received on the call for proposals to host the Climate Technology Centre

Question	Answer
Hosting Arrangements
Who is currently hosting the CTC Secretariat, and what information is available regarding its past activities and achievements?	The CTC Secretariat is currently hosted by UNEP. Information regarding its past activities and achievements is available in CTCN progress reports and other reports published on the CTCN website at: https://www.ctc-n.org/news-events/progress-reports as well as in the joint annual reports by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee and the CTCN, available on the UNFCCC website under the ‘Annual Reports’ heading on the following page: https://unfccc.int/ttclear/tec/documents.html
If a new operating organization is selected, would this imply a change in the host country?	The selection of a new operating organization would not necessarily imply a change in the host country. This depends on the proposal. The proposal may include the location of the host.
In the event of a change in the host organization and/or host country, would the existing secretariat’s staff, institutional knowledge, and documentation be transferred, or would the new host establish a new structure?	There is no provision for the transfer of existing structures. The CTCN is currently hosted by UNEP. In the event of a change in the host organization, the recruitment of secretariat personnel will be under the responsibility of the new host organization in accordance with its recruitment rules and policies. Proposals should include information on how to ensure continuity in the operations of the CTC during the transition process so as to avoid disruption in its provision of services to develop countries. This could include aspects relating to staff, institutional knowledge, and documentation. Please refer to the Call for Proposals, Annex 3, para 3(d)(iv).
What are the exit provisions? What would be the legal and financial consequences if we wished to withdraw from hosting in the future?	The COP and CMA will select one proposal and will conclude an MOU with the selected host organization. The MOU is supposed to include provisions regarding its termination by either Party, as standard clauses. (See, e.g., the current MOU: decision 14/CP.18, annex , paras 35-36).
Eligibility and Applicant Types
Who is eligible to apply (e.g., single organizations, consortia, universities, NGOs, private sector entities)?	Any organization or group of organizations is eligible to apply. Please refer to the Call for Proposals, Annex 6 for more details on eligibility.
Are countries themselves eligible to submit applications, or only organizations/groups of organizations?	Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6. The proposals should be submitted by interested organization, or groups of organizations. (Note: An organization or group or organizations may include a supporting letter or other information from a country as “Other material”, see Call of Proposals, Annex 3, para 3(d)(vi): “Other relevant material (e.g., annual report, social responsibility reports)”)
Can the current operating consortium reapply under this call?	Yes, members of the current consortium may apply jointly or independently.
Can a consortium led by an NGO in partnership with a private investment firm qualify as a host?	Yes. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Is a consortium of universities eligible to apply?	Yes. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Consortium Structure, roles and network membership
When responding to the criteria for evaluating and selecting the host of the Climate Technology Centre as contained in Annex 6, does every organization in the group need to provide information for each criterion or only for those criteria relating to their proposed responsibilities within the group.	Each organization should address relevant criteria assigned to their responsibilities. However, the proposal must collectively demonstrate compliance with all criteria.
Should each organization submit five past/ongoing projects, or is the consortium limited to five projects collectively?	There should be no more than 5 past/ongoing projects per consortium. Past project references: either structured per partner (where relevant) or strategically consolidated to showcase the strongest portfolio aligned with evaluation criteria.
Who is required to sign the declaration in Annex 9?	The profile form contained in Annex 9 to the call for proposals is to be filled in and signed by each organization, if a group of organizations is submitting a proposal. If, for a group, the profile of the other organization(s) is filled out and signed by the lead organization on behalf of the group, a written confirmation is required that the lead organization is authorized to sign on behalf of the group. The declaration by proponent and disclosure requirement form contained in Annex 8 to the call for proposals is to be signed by all organizations, if a group of organizations is submitting a proposal. If it is signed by the lead organization on behalf of the group, a written confirmation is required that the lead organization is authorized to sign on behalf of the group.
Can existing networks or alliances led by an applicant be integrated into the CTCN framework, or must entities apply separately after selection?	Selection of a host organization does not automatically confer CTCN Network membership status to affiliated entities. The established process for becoming a member of the Network of the CTCN must be adhered to. Please consult the CTCN website at: https://www.ctc-n.org/networking-and-collaboration/network
Will the existing network currently in place continue once the new secretariat is in place?	Yes.
Host Country Role and Government Endorsement
What is the expected role of the host country within an application?	There is no expected role for the country proposed to host the CTC secretariat in the application.
Is a formal Host Country Agreement or government endorsement required at the time of submission, or can it be finalized after selection?	A formal agreement is usually required before operations begin but may not need to be finalized at submission stage. The call for proposals does not require a Host Country Agreement or government endorsement at the time of submission. However, if the proposal is selected by the COP and CMA, the selected host should be able to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for the meetings of the CTC Advisory Board, including privileges and immunities for members of the Board.
Financial Framework and Contributions
What is the expected minimum financial and/or staffing capacity required to host the CTC Secretariat?	There is no fixed minimum requirement. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
What is the expected order of magnitude of financial and in-kind contributions from the host?	There is no expected order of magnitude of financial and in-kind contribution. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6
Is there guidance on the expected balance between direct host contributions and donor-funded activities?	No. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Is there a minimum host contribution requirement?	No. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Is there a cap or maximum percentage for in-kind contributions relative to the total budget?	No. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 4.
Regarding co-financing, can the proposal include formal letters of intent from strategic investment partners as part of the financial sustainability plan?	Yes, co-financing can be demonstrated through letters of intent from strategic partners.
Is there a maximum budget per project?	No.
Will the new host have a mandate and responsibilities to directly fundraise, or will all funds flow through UNFCCC?	The host of the CTC has a mandate and responsibilities to raise funds for the operation of the CTCN. The CTC is not part of the UNFCCC budget.
Proposal Format and Submission Requirements
Is there a page limit per project?	Yes. The main proposal is not to exceed 30 pages. Please also refer to details listed the call for proposals, Annex 3.
Must all proposals be submitted in English, regardless of the applicant’s country?	Yes.
Are supporting documents (e.g., previous audit reports or registration certificates) acceptable in their original language if accompanied by a certified English translation?	Yes.
Are proposals accepted from all countries?	Yes.
Hosting Structure and Flexibility
What flexibility exists in structuring the hosting arrangement?	Proponents are welcome to propose any structure that they consider suitable in response to the criteria for evaluating and selecting the host of the CTC as contained in the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Can academic institutions provide hosting and technical expertise while partnering with governments or other entities for donor engagement?	Academic-led hosting arrangements are possible if they meet the evaluation criteria. Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6.
Engagement of Global South and Grassroots Actors
Are applicants encouraged to include regional or local implementation partners from developing countries?	Please refer to the call for proposals, Annex 6. paragraph 1 (b).