The United Nations in Mexico “More than 30 countries are committed to supporting workers, businesses and societies in the transition to greener economies.”

Abigail Brewer 3 years ago 2 min read

Photo: International Labor Organization

The ILO plays a key role in developing the Declaration on a Just Transition, agreed at the United Nations Climate Summit in Glasgow.

Geneva, November 5, 2021 (ILO) – More than 30 countries, including major coal-producing nations, have signed a declaration committing to implementing strategies that support workers, businesses and communities as countries transition to greener economies.

The Just a move statement , agreed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Scotland, recognizes the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to net economies, particularly those working in sectors, cities and regions that depend on carbon-intensive industries and outputs.

reflect ILO Fair Transition Guidelines 2015 , which describes the steps needed to achieve well-managed and environmentally sustainable economies and societies, decent work for all, social inclusion, and poverty eradication.

The signatories to the declaration are the United States, the United Kingdom, the 27 member states of the European Union, Norway, Canada and New Zealand. It is a continuation of the promises made at the summit by more than 40 countries to abandon coal.

“For the ILO, an equitable energy transition is urgent, indispensable and feasible. […] There is clear evidence that there will be more gains for the economy and people than losses.”

Vic Van Voren, Director of Business Administration at the International Labor Organization
The International Labor Office, under the COP26 Energy Transition Council, played an instrumental role in drafting the Declaration, which was presented at the COP26 event which brought together representatives of coal-producing countries, multilateral agencies and non-governmental organizations.

In the declaration, states commit to:

Support workers, communities and regions that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the exit from carbon-intensive economies.
Promote social dialogue and participation between governments, employers, workers representatives and other groups affected by the transition to green economies.
Implement economic strategies that support clean energy, promote resource-efficient economic growth, generate income and decent jobs, and reduce poverty and inequality.
Creating decent job opportunities for people in their local areas, along with rehabilitation and training, and social protection for those in need.
Ensuring that existing and new supply chains create decent jobs for all, including the most marginalized, while respecting human rights.

The ILO will support the implementation of the Declaration by promoting and implementing international labor standards.

“For the ILO, an equitable energy transition is urgent, indispensable and feasible,” said ILO Director of Business Administration Vic van Vuuren.

“A just transition is about maximizing the economic and social benefits, while effectively managing the risks of economic, technological and social transformation.”

“There is clear evidence that there will be more gains for the economy and people than losses. This announcement will help ensure that comprehensive and consistent policy frameworks are in place so that no one is harmed by the transition to greener economies.”