Third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are emerging as a major milestone in global climate action under the Paris Agreement. These updated national climate plans reflect a clear shift in ambition and quality, evolving from basic commitments into more comprehensive strategies that guide sustainable development and long-term climate policy.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, established a global framework for tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation goals. At the core of this agreement are NDCs, which outline how each country plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Countries are required to update these plans every five years, gradually increasing ambition to move toward net-zero emissions by 2050 and limit the worst effects of climate change.
In 2025, countries submitted the third generation of NDCs, reinforcing global cooperation and renewed commitment to climate action. By the end of that year, 128 countries representing about 78 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions had submitted updated plans. These submissions included 21 Small Island Developing States, 19 Least Developed Countries, and 18 G20 members, while more than 60 additional countries are expected to present their revised NDCs in 2026.
The latest NDCs show improvements in both ambition and planning. Many countries are expanding the sectors covered in their climate strategies, outlining clearer implementation pathways and providing stronger signals for investment. According to analysis by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), several trends are shaping this new generation of climate commitments.
One major development is stronger mitigation targets. About 75 percent of NDCs now include economy-wide emissions reduction targets extending to 2035. Many countries have also increased their unconditional targets, demonstrating greater domestic commitment to reducing emissions. However, challenges remain, particularly in implementing short- and medium-term measures required to achieve these long-term goals.
At the same time, countries are placing greater emphasis on adaptation and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change. With scientific evidence suggesting that global temperatures are likely to exceed the 1.5°C threshold, adaptation measures are becoming more prominent in national plans. Around 90 percent of NDCs from developing countries now include enhanced adaptation strategies that are more detailed and multi-sectoral. In addition, roughly 80 percent of the plans explicitly address loss and damage, with Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries often including more detailed actions and targets.
Third-generation NDCs also increasingly connect climate action with broader sustainable development goals. Many countries are highlighting the social and economic benefits of climate policies, including improvements in energy access, ecosystem protection, rural and urban development, job creation, and innovation. For vulnerable countries in particular, climate strategies are being designed to protect progress in poverty reduction while strengthening food systems and public health resilience.
Inclusivity and fairness are also becoming central elements of climate planning. A large majority of countries now include gender equality and social inclusion considerations in their NDCs, while more than 90 percent reference just transition principles to ensure workers and communities are supported during the shift to low-carbon economies. By aligning climate policies with national development priorities, governments are strengthening ownership and encouraging broader participation in implementation.
Transparency and accountability are another key focus of the new NDCs. Countries are placing greater emphasis on systems that track progress toward climate targets and provide clearer information for investors and stakeholders. Many developing countries are strengthening national transparency frameworks to improve credibility and attract climate finance, while also building systems that help monitor progress and ensure accountability.
The sectoral coverage of third-generation NDCs has expanded significantly. Energy remains the most important area for emissions reduction, with all countries including plans to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. Many also outline steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, invest in solar power, and phase down coal use. For developing countries, improving energy access and expanding clean cooking solutions remain critical priorities.
Transport is another sector where countries are focusing efforts to reduce emissions, with many NDCs promoting energy-efficient mobility, electric vehicles, and low-carbon fuels. Urban planning is also being integrated into transport strategies to support sustainable development. Industry features prominently in most climate plans as well, though progress varies, especially in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and petrochemicals.
Forests and land use play a major role in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Most NDCs reference forest conservation, restoration, and land management, often recognizing the important role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting ecosystems. Agriculture and food systems are also key priorities, with many countries focusing on reducing emissions while improving resilience to climate impacts.
Health is increasingly linked to climate policy, with most countries acknowledging the effects of climate change on public health and outlining measures to improve air quality and strengthen health systems. Water resources, oceans, and the blue economy are also widely recognized as crucial areas for climate action, particularly for coastal and island nations.
Other emerging areas include the circular economy, urban climate planning, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity protection. Many countries are integrating these approaches into their NDCs to address climate change while promoting sustainable development. Climate-related security risks are also gaining attention, particularly in fragile contexts where climate impacts can intensify instability.
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Development Programme has played a significant role in helping developing countries strengthen their NDCs. Through its Climate Promise initiative, UNDP supported a large share of second-generation NDCs and later expanded assistance through Climate Promise 2025, a coordinated effort involving the wider UN system. This initiative focused on increasing ambition, accelerating implementation, and ensuring inclusive participation in the NDC process.
Under Climate Promise 2025, more than 100 countries received support to update their third-generation NDCs, with dozens of developing countries submitting revised plans by the end of 2025. As attention shifts from planning to action, the UN Secretary-General has tasked UNDP with leading a new phase known as Climate Promise: Forward. This initiative aims to help countries implement their commitments more effectively and accelerate the transition toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
Overall, third-generation NDCs represent an important step forward in global climate policy. By expanding sectoral coverage, strengthening transparency, and linking climate action with sustainable development and social inclusion, countries are laying the groundwork for more effective and credible climate strategies. The challenge ahead will be turning these commitments into concrete actions that deliver measurable progress in reducing emissions and building resilience worldwide.
