ILO at COP29

• Replay the events from the Just Transition pavilion

The world of work has been severely impacted by climate change, with intensified heat waves, forest fires, floods, desertification, and drought causing widespread devastation. These impacts have hit workers, enterprises, and communities hard. The threats posed by climate change are especially severe for those already facing socio-economic vulnerabilities, including women, persons with disabilities, youth, indigenous and tribal peoples, and migrant and refugee workers, among others. 

For developing countries in particular, climate impacts threaten efforts in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As countries undertake efforts to address the climate crisis, such measures can have both positive and negative implications for jobs, livelihoods, poverty, inclusion and equality. 

A just transition is hence crucial to harness the benefits of a resilient low carbon economy, create decent work, and ensure no one is left behind.  

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) presents a critical moment to enhance ambition and enable the urgently needed climate action to address the climate crisis. This conference is set against a global backdrop of interlinked crises marked by conflicts, socio-economic fragility, and the need to build social consensus for climate action that leaves no one behind. The need for ambition and action is more critical than ever to preserve the 1.5-degree target and move the world towards a climate-resilient pathway while ensuring a just transition for all.  

• Sign the letter in support of the Call to Action: Fostering Social Dialogue for a Just Transition to a Resilient Low-Carbon Economy

• Press release: Just transition policies must prioritize labour rights and decent work

In a world striving for a sustainable future, the foundation of effective just transition policies lies in upholding labour rights, fostering social dialogue, and ensuring decent work for all. These policies must be gender-responsive, recognizing that empowering women is essential for ambitious climate actions and achieving social justice. 

To build climate resilience, universal social protection and robust occupational safety and health measures are indispensable. Sustainable businesses, along with targeted skills development and comprehensive industrial and employment policies, are the cornerstones for creating more and better jobs.

Investing in a just transition is not just a moral imperative but a prudent financial decision, benefiting both people and the planet. By embracing these principles, we can pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future.

At COP29, the ILO will participate as a UN observer and offer technical advice along with undertaking knowledge sharing to support and foster policy coherence between ambitious climate action, the promotion of decent work, and the advancement of social justice. A specific focus will be on discussions of particular relevance to the world of work. 

For more information, read the ILO key messages for COP29 negotiations.  

• Replay the events from the Just Transition pavilion

• The ILO in partnership with the European Union, is establishing a Just Transition Pavilion at COP29. The Pavilion is a venue for delegates to carry formal and informal consultations, to convene thematic events, and to network. In addition, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Clinics are available to interested constituents to learn more about how just transition principles can be further and successfully integrated into the next edition of their NDC. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and connect with ILO experts and other practitioners working toward equitable climate solutions.

  🌏Register now for NDC Clinic: bit.ly/JTclinic

   

• UN PAGE Policy Dialogue event - From vision to practice for a just transition for all: A cross-regional South-South policy dialogue on energy, sustainable finance, and enterprises for inclusive policy-making processes and enhancing NDC ambition. The policy dialogue will be held between 20-21 November 2024 at the Just Transition Pavilion during the COP29. It is an ILO led event in joint collaboration and support from the UN-PAGE programme (ILO, UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO and UNITAR). It aims to foster South-South cooperation through policy discussions among Central Asian, South Caucasian, and Asia Pacific countries (PAGE and non-PAGE countries) on promoting green jobs, sustainable enterprises, and circular approaches for a just transition. It seeks to include workers’ and employers’ voices in NDC formulation, explore just energy transition scenarios, and recommend sustainable financing policies. The dialogue also aims to share experiences and address capacity gaps. Additionally, it promotes peer learning on integrating just transition and sustainable enterprises considerations into NDCs.