The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) established under the Paris Climate Agreement will be the focus of COP28. Success will depend on decisions made on the structural elements of the GGA framework, including high-level political messages, specific targets, metrics for assessing progress, and the role of means of implementation. The Policy Brief proposes a modus operandi for the GGA framework, combining policy and scientific expert judgments instead of relying solely on quantitative indicators. The conclusions can inform both the GlaSS process and the adaptation component of the GST, which are scheduled to conclude at COP28.