As the 10th edition of the NAP Expo ended in Lusaka, Zambia, delegates from across the globe left with renewed momentum for accelerating national adaptation plans, strengthened by the launch of updated NAP technical guidelines and a week of rich exchanges on climate resilience.
The Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka played host to the 10th global NAP Expo, an annual outreach event organised by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) under the UNFCCC in collaboration with multiple partners.
Since its inception in 2013, the Expo has brought together government representatives, technical experts, civil society, and private sector actors from both Parties and Non-Party stakeholders, serving as a unique forum to share experiences, forge partnerships, and advance the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans. The NAP Expo is the largest UN gathering focused on climate adaptation specifically. This year’s Expo was attended by around 400 participants from 80 countries.
The gathering marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the updated Technical Guidelines for the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans. Developed by the LEG, these updated guidelines align with recent COP decisions, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the latest IPCC science. They provide enhanced direction on readiness, assessment, planning, financing, implementation, monitoring, and reporting—integrating innovations such as digital tools and approaches for inclusive, participatory planning.
The opening ceremony was led by the Mayor of Lusaka, Ms Chilando Chitangala, and the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mr Mike Mposha. In their remarks, both highlighted the urgency of climate adaptation, the role of strong partnerships in unlocking finance from mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and Adaptation Fund, and the importance of ensuring that adaptation efforts are inclusive and locally grounded.
Over the course of the event, delegates took part in keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and technical exchanges covering a broad spectrum of topics. Discussions ranged from adaptation finance, the role of philanthropies and private sector, nature-based solutions and gender-responsive planning to the role of indigenous leadership, youth engagement, and the application of emerging technologies in adaptation planning. It was emphasised how the active involvement of different stakeholders, such as youth and Indigenous Peoples, in decision-making processes for NAPs is important and that they should also be given a decisive leadership role. These sessions not only deepened understanding of the updated guidelines but also fostered connections between country NAP teams and providers of technical and financial support.
Beyond the formal programme, the Expo showcased Zambia’s renowned hospitality. The atmosphere throughout the week was one of collaboration, optimism, and a shared commitment to advancing adaptation ambition.
Ana Toni, CEO of the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, provided an outlook: “COP30 will serve as a turning point for adaptation, and NAPs must lead the way, building capacity and securing funding to strengthen our efforts. In Belém, adaptation must be elevated to the same level of importance as mitigation on the global agenda, especially as the impacts of climate change have already infiltrated our homes.”
As the Lusaka edition drew to a close, the NAP Expo left behind a stronger global network of practitioners and policymakers equipped with updated tools and renewed determination. With just years remaining to meet global adaptation targets, the lessons, partnerships, and innovations forged in Zambia will shape how countries translate their national adaptation plans into tangible action on the ground.
