Regulation & International Instruments
Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)
The UN climate regime's term for work under Article 6 of the UNFCCC and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement: education, awareness, training, participation, access to information and international cooperation.
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Action for Climate Empowerment is the term adopted by Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to denote work under Article 6 of the Convention and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement. Its goal is to empower all members of society to engage in climate action through six elements: climate change education, public awareness, training, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation.
References
ACE as the term for Article 6 / Article 12 work; the six elements and their descriptions.
UNFCCC–UNESCO 2020 guide on ACE in NDCs; overarching goal of ACE.
Legal anchors (Article 6 UNFCCC, Article 10(e) Kyoto Protocol, Article 12 Paris Agreement); Doha work programme; ACE focal points and national communications.
Overview
What it means
Each element has a distinct focus: education builds long-term understanding, particularly among young people; public awareness shapes attitudes and choices; training spreads practical skills such as compiling emissions inventories; participation and access to information enable the public to engage in decisions; and international cooperation shares good practice across borders.
How it is used
Governments implement ACE through national strategies, designated ACE focal points, and dedicated chapters in national communications to the UNFCCC. A UNFCCC–UNESCO guide (2020) advises countries on integrating ACE elements into nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The earlier Doha work programme (2012–2020) provided the first flexible framework for country-driven ACE action.
Why it matters
Ambitious climate policy depends on public understanding, skills and participation. ACE is the treaty-anchored channel for that enabling work, linking climate policy to education systems and to the Sustainable Development Goals' commitment that "no one will be left behind".
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