The National Committee was established by a Council of Ministers' decision in 2009 to serve as the Designated National Authority (DNA) for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol. It was tasked with exercising the powers of the authority and any competences outlined in any future climate change agreements. The DNA's mandate was further expanded through Royal Decrees to include, among other responsibilities, the preparation and coordination of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); the preparation and submission of Biennial Update Reports (BURs), Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and National Communication reports (NCs): the development and implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF); and the development, implementation, regulation, and management of emission reduction mechanisms including market mechanisms for carbon management.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of Energy and includes representation across the public and private sectors.

The Designated National Authority (DNA) was established with a clear mandate to support the Kingdom’s transition into a circular carbon economy through the following core functions: