Engaging with high integrity carbon markets under Article 6
The UNFCCC Secretariat and University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and Environment invite applications from government officials to participate in the Article 6 Academy. This online training is a 3-week accelerated learning programme designed to equip relevant officials with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage with high-integrity carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Since the operationalization of Article 6 mechanisms at COP 29, there is an urgent and growing demand for technical capacity building among government officials and Designated National Authorities (DNAs). This course directly addresses critical knowledge gaps and provides practical operational guidance to enable countries to confidently participate in, design, and govern carbon markets engagement under Article 6.
30 March - 18 April 2026
3 weeks (up to 20 hours)
Blended learning (self-paced + live webinars)
UNFCCC & Oxford University
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
Understand the architecture, decision framework, and implementation requirements of the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) under Article 6.4
Navigate national authorization systems, institutional structures, and stakeholder engagement requirements
Make informed strategic decisions on registry selection and standards adoption for Article 6 activities
Participate in international carbon markets under Article 6 with appropriate risk management and liability frameworks
Integrate Article 6 activities with NDC implementation, national development priorities, and climate policy instruments
We are seeking dedicated government officials with direct involvement in climate policy, carbon markets, or NDC implementation. The course is particularly aimed at, but not limited to:
Applications from qualified female candidates and from developing countries are strongly encouraged, with particular priority given to applicants from:
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be employed in a government institution or official government body
Have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in one or more of the following fields:
Have direct involvement or responsibility for:
Demonstrate proficiency in English language (reading, writing, and listening comprehension)
Provide a letter from your institution confirming:
Applications must be submitted online through the Article 6 Academy portal:
Apply Online NowApplications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
For all selected participants
Fully online delivery
All materials provided free of charge
Course materials remain accessible for 6 months after completion
Digital jointly-issued certificate from UNFCCC and Oxford University
23 January 2026 – 6 March 2026
By 15 March 2026
By 24 March 2026
30 March – 18 April 2026
Upon completion of course contents and requirements
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat supports the implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement through capacity building, technical support, and guidance on climate action mechanisms, including Article 6. This course is being brought to you by the UNFCCC's Article 6 Capacity Building Unit together with University of Oxford.
Oxford University's Smith School brings together world-leading expertise in environmental economics, carbon accounting, and sustainable business and policy, contributing advanced academic knowledge to the course.
This course is specifically designed for government officials.
The 2-year minimum is a requirement. However, we encourage you to contact the organizers if you have equivalent experience or specialized expertise in Article 6 or carbon markets.
The course is conducted in English. However, we are exploring options for translations or language support. Please contact us to discuss possibilities.
Yes, all materials remain accessible for 6 months post-completion for reference and review.
No, the course is designed as an integrated 3-week program. We require minimum attendance at 2 out of 3 webinars, but all self-paced modules should be completed.
We aim to select up to 100 participants in this cohort from diverse geographic regions and institutional backgrounds.
Yes. Upon successful completion (attending at least 2 webinars, completing all modules, and passing all assessments), you will receive a jointly-issued certificate from UNFCCC Secretariat and Oxford University Smith School.
The UNFCCC and Oxford University are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including women, youth, and underrepresented groups in climate policy and carbon markets. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that respects and values the contributions of all participants.
Together, let's build high-integrity carbon markets for global climate action.