Unpacking the outputs and outcomes of the GST

COM/ENV/EPOC/IEA/SLT(2022)1  19

3. Modalities to translate outputs to outcomes in the GST process

Unpacking the outputs and outcomes of the GST

Decision 19/CMA.1 outlines a mix of technical and political outputs across the three components of the GST (see Table 3.1). The format and content of some of these outputs, including their level of aggregation or disaggregation, have not yet been finalised. Different types of outputs can play different roles depending on the intended audience and purpose. For example, some outputs are designed to inform high-level, political decision-making (e.g. recommendations to policymakers, key messages, considerations for Parties to take into account). Other outputs (e.g. technical summaries, synthesis reports) are designed for a more technical audience and can help to inform the work of experts, negotiators and researchers among others.

There are advantages and disadvantages to different types of outputs. Outputs that require consensusbased decision-making such as CMA decisions or political declarations command greater legitimacy among Parties and can provide a strong signal of the overall direction of travel. However, such outputs may not lend themselves to providing concrete guidance on how to get there as the level of detail provided may be limited. Such outputs could be complemented by other types of outputs that provide more detailed guidance targeted at different actors, e.g. technical annexes that identify specific good practices and solutions in key sectors (Rajamani, 2021[7]).