Unpacking the Belém decision on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

Adopted under the Paris Agreement, the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) represents a collective commitment to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen climate resilience and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (UAE FGCR) translates this ambition into eleven thematic and dimensional targets. Building on this foundation, the Belém Adaptation Indicators were adopted in 2025, and a new phase to operationalise them was initiated. This paper unpacks the Belém decision on the GGA. It first analyses opportunities and challenges for early engagement with the UAE FGCR targets and testing of the Belém Adaptation Indicators, notably through the preparation of second biennial transparency reports (BTRs), identifying where pragmatic entry points exist and where data, capacity or methodological constraints may limit initial uptake. It then turns to the Belém-Addis vision, outlining key considerations regarding its scope, purpose and modalities for the process to deliver actionable guidance by COP32. It highlights the importance of clear coordination between the technical and political processes to ensure that the UAE FGCR targets and the Belém Adaptation Indicators can inform the second global stocktake (GST2).