The theme of the 2016 grant cycle is energy for sustainable transport. The objective is to fund future capacity development activities promoting energy for sustainable transport. As part of the programme, Capacity Development Seminars are hosted to disseminate experiences and knowledge in the implementation of successful projects that promote energy for sustainable transport. The objectives of the two seminars for the 2016: 1) Build capacities on best practices and successful implementation of sustainable energy transport projects; 2) Highlight groundbreaking innovations; and 3) Address challenges related to providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

The grant is made possible through funding support by the China Energy Fund Committee, an NGO in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Institutions, individuals, and partnerships were invited to apply to the 2016 grant in an open call for applications. The Secretariat is responsible for carrying out activities related to the grant such as: organizing meetings of its Advisory Council and High-level Steering Committee; review of applications; and implementation of capacity building and training activities. The selection of the institutions/individuals for receiving the grant is conducted through a rigorous review process. The winner must demonstrate leadership, vision and commitment; how they have improved standards of living for society at large or a particular community; their involvement in international cooperation in energy for sustainable development and capacity building; and how they promote the integration of energy into sustainable development strategies. The Grant Secretariat monitors progress by way of review of mid-term and progress reports and conducts ad-hoc monitoring visits to the implementation sites as needed.

The grant programme seeks to focus not only on the recipient's leadership and innovation but also willingness and ability to implement knowledge transfer through capacity building activities for replicating and scaling up successful experiences and lessons learned. With that, the Grant Secretariat hosts Capacity Development Seminars to provide an opportunity for the finalists of the Grant programme to disseminate their experiences and knowledge in the implementation of successful projects that promote energy for sustainable transport. Participants include representatives from the top institutions that successfully reached the last stage of the evaluation process. Additional participants include members of the Advisory Council, United Nations staff, representatives of Permanent Missions to the United Nations, international and national development organizations, and academia and students from universities. The objectives of the Seminars for the 2016 grant programme are to: 1) Build capacities on best practices and successful implementation of sustainable energy transport projects; 2) Highlight groundbreaking innovations; and 3) Address challenges related to providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. At the conclusion of the Seminar’s, it is anticipated that the participants will gain: 1) knowledge of successful projects of various scales promoting sustainable transport; 2) enhanced understanding of the issues faced by organizations and/or individuals implementing sustainable transport projects; and 3) awareness of major technical, managerial and financial challenges related to the implementation of these projects.

The programme is being implemented by a small Secretariat within UN DESA. Support is given by an Advisory Council and a High-Level Steering Committee. The Advisory Council consists of 14 members, including representatives of relevant UN entities, academic institutions, business, and civil society groups. The Advisory Council identifies the criteria, as well as modalities, for the submission, review and selection processes in relation to the Grant. The term of the membership of the Advisory Council is for one year, renewable annually, depending on the future thematic focus of the Grant. It meets twice during its one-year term, to review and vote on applications. The Advisory Council members review the applications received and recommends a short list of institutions/individuals for Grant consideration and decision by the High-level Steering Committee. The High-level Steering Committee is responsible for the selection of candidates for the Grant from the names submitted by the Advisory Council. It is established to oversee application, review and selection processes in relation to the Grant and to provide independent guidance on all aspects relating to the management of the Grant. The High-level Steering Committee consists of 4-6 members. The term of membership in the High-level Steering Committee is one year, renewable annually. The High-level Steering Committee meets once during its one-year term. It reviews the recommendations for awarding the grant made by the Advisory Council and ensures compliance with the criteria and selection procedures for the Grant, as agreed by the Advisory Council and approved by the High-level Steering Committee. The Committee meetings are chaired by the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), the finalists who reached the top of the evaluation process.