As climate change intensifies, the need for global cooperation on environmentally sound technologies has never been more urgent. One of the leading mechanisms supporting such international cooperation is the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN). South Africa, as a committed member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this initiative through its National Designated Entity (NDE).
Understanding the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
The CTCN was established by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC with a core mission: to facilitate the transfer of climate technologies to developing countries. These technologies help support low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The CTCN fosters technology cooperation by responding to country requests and guiding the transfer and development of environmentally friendly technologies.
To learn more about the CTCN directly from the source, click here to visit the CTCN website.
South Africa’s National Designated Entity (NDE)
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) serves as South Africa’s National Designated Entity (NDE) for the CTCN. The NDE acts as a central coordination point, facilitating communication between local stakeholders and the international CTCN network. As part of this role, the NDE:
- Articulates and prioritizes technology needs
- Coordinates the submission of technical assistance requests
- Ensures smooth communication with all relevant national and international partners
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For general inquiries and support, you can contact Ms Kogilam Govender via email at NDE-RSA@dst.gov.za.
Importance of Environmentally Sound Technologies
Climate change presents multidimensional challenges that require advanced technical solutions. Environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) support emission reductions, efficient resource use, and sustainable development. These innovations are essential for:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving energy efficiency
- Enhancing water and food security
- Supporting green infrastructure development
Through its participation in the CTCN, South Africa leverages global knowledge to advance its climate action agenda while also contributing innovations of its own.
CTCN Programme of Work and Thematic Areas
The CTCN supports a wide range of sectors through structured programs and themes. Each thematic area addresses a specific challenge within the broader goal of climate resilience and low-carbon development. You can access the full reference documents for each area by clicking the links below:
- CTCN Buildings and Infrastructure
- CTCN Digitalization
- CTCN Business and Industry
- CTCN Energy Systems
- CTCN National Systems of Innovation
- CTCN Sustainable Mobility
- CTCN Water-Energy-Food Nexus
These focus areas highlight the diversity of CTCN’s work and its relevance across multiple domains of sustainable development.
How to Request Technical Assistance
To ensure that South African stakeholders benefit from global technology cooperation, the NDE streamlines the request process for technical assistance. If you are a researcher, government department, private sector representative, or community group with a relevant project, you may submit a formal request.
Two Types of Requests Are Supported:
- Technical Assistance Request: For comprehensive support on long-term or complex projects.
- Fast Technical Assistance (FTA) Request: For rapid, short-term interventions requiring urgent solutions.
To initiate the process, complete the relevant form and email it to Ms Kogilam Govender at NDE-RSA@dst.gov.za.
Download the forms here:
- Technical Assistance Request Form English version
- Fast Technical Assistance (FTA) Request Form English version
National Collaboration for Global Impact
South Africa’s participation in the CTCN is more than a policy obligation—it is a strategic move toward technological sovereignty and climate resilience. By working through the NDE, South African stakeholders can access international expertise, financial support, and proven technologies.
The partnership between the DSI and CTCN encourages:
- Public-private partnerships
- Academic and research collaboration
- Capacity building for young professionals and technical experts
- Innovative pilot projects that serve as scalable models
Why This Matters Now
As global climate pressures grow, the role of technology in adaptation and mitigation becomes even more critical. South Africa’s NDE is actively helping the country position itself as a regional leader in climate innovation. The resources and networks provided by the CTCN empower local innovators, strengthen infrastructure, and support inclusive economic growth.
This cooperation will ultimately enhance South Africa’s ability to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term climate goals.
Learn More and Get Involved
To explore further or submit a request, click here to read an introduction to the CTCN and the NDE-RSA.
Whether you are a policymaker, academic, entrepreneur, or environmental advocate, there is a space for you in South Africa’s climate technology ecosystem.
In Summary: South Africa’s collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network opens doors to sustainable solutions through cutting-edge technology. The Department of Science and Innovation, as the NDE, ensures that South Africans can access, adapt, and innovate with tools that matter most in the fight against climate change.
Stay informed, take action, and be a part of the solution. For further assistance or to submit a request, email NDE-RSA@dst.gov.za.
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