The Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish course, available on the UN Climate Change e-Learn platform, is a comprehensive online program developed to introduce learners to the entire process of formulating, implementing, and financing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Designed for a wide audience—including policymakers, technical experts, and stakeholders—this self-paced course is particularly valuable for those in developing countries who face urgent adaptation challenges due to climate change. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the United Nations, which strengthens their credentials for roles in national planning, climate policy, and resilience building.

Core Content

The course curriculum is divided into three sequential modules. The first module focuses on the exploration and development of a NAP, providing an in-depth overview of the initial planning and formulation stages. Participants learn about the importance of evidence-based, transparent, and participatory approaches in designing adaptation strategies. The second module takes learners through the practical steps required for implementing and reviewing a NAP. Emphasis is placed on best practices for enacting plans, establishing monitoring and evaluation systems, and fostering cross-sectoral and institutional linkages essential for long-term adaptation success. The third module is dedicated to understanding adaptation finance. It covers the landscape of national and international funding sources, offering strategic insights into mobilizing and managing resources to underpin national adaptation priorities. Throughout, the course features interactive content, real-world case studies, and links to in-depth resources that reinforce each topic.

Key Skills

Participants acquire the capabilities to guide participatory planning processes, analyze and use climate data for policy design, and integrate adaptation measures across socio-economic sectors. The curriculum builds competence in engaging diverse stakeholders, synthesizing local and international knowledge, and managing institutional collaboration for adaptation. Learners also develop financial literacy specific to adaptation planning, learning how to access, apply, and monitor resources from both domestic and external channels. By course end, graduates are equipped to facilitate climate adaptation projects, support national and cross-sectoral coordination, and report effectively on adaptation outcomes.

Target Learners

The program is particularly useful for government officials and policymakers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing nations who are responsible for planning and implementing adaptation responses to climate change. It also caters to technical experts working in climate-sensitive sectors, as well as specialists from academia, NGOs, and the private sector interested in gaining insight into adaptation planning and climate finance. The course is open to learners globally, offering foundational knowledge without prerequisites.

Learning Format

Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish is delivered fully online, allowing learners to progress flexibly at their own pace. Instructional materials include interactive modules, scenario-based case studies, and quizzes that reinforce learning objectives for each module. To achieve certification, participants must pass a short quiz at the end of every module, scoring at least 70% within three attempts. Digital badges are issued for successful completion of each section, and a formal UN Certificate of Completion is awarded when all badges are earned. The course platform also offers access to further readings, practical tools, and feedback mechanisms to support continuous learning.

Additional Benefits

Graduates of the course are better positioned to support or lead the integration of adaptation measures into national or sectoral planning efforts. The content is continually updated to reflect global best practices and international standards in adaptation planning, ensuring immediate relevance for professional contexts. Developed collaboratively by UNITAR and partners such as UNDP and UNEP with support from the Global Environment Facility, the course is a practical asset for anyone aiming to build a climate-resilient future and drive positive change in their organizations or communities.

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