Quality Assurance Checklist for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0

In 2025, parties are due to submit their third-generation Nationally Determined Contribution, “NDC 3.0”, which should reflect the “highest possible ambition,” while considering countries’ common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances. Ultimately, these new NDCs represent stepping-stones on a pathway towards limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. 

To support this effort, UNDP has developed a Quality Assurance Checklist for NDC 3.0, to reflect lessons learned from UNDP’s support on NDC enhancement and implementation in over 125 countries and to incorporate the first Global Stocktake’s relevant outcomes and guidance to Parties on the preparation of their new NDCs. 

This checklist builds upon an earlier UNDP quality assurance checklist for revising NDCs published in 2020 and draws from related NDC guidance and tools from key partners. This checklist outlines Five Dimensions that UNDP considers essential for ambitious, transparent, inclusive and investable NDCs: 

1.  Country ownership and inclusivity
2.  Ambition
3.  Just transition and sustainable development
4. Clarity and transparency
5. Feasibility