Marrakesh, 17 November 2016 - The side event on Sustainable Development Goal 8: “Decent work and economic growth: A just transition towards a low-carbon and inclusive green economy”, took place at the UN Climate Change Conference COP22 in Marrakesh.
This side event was hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Environment (UNEP), and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Speakers were H.E. Mr Andrei Kovkhuto, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Belarus; H.E. Mr Paweł Sałek, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment of Poland; H.E. Mr Jochen Flasbarth, Secretary of State for Environment, Germany; Ms Evelyn Cruzada, Assistant Cabinet Secretary, Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Office of the President of the Philippines; Ms Sharon Burrow, Secretary-General, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); Mr Pierre Vincensini, Senior Advisor, International Organization of Employers (IOE); and Mr Martin Frick, Director of Climate and Environment Division, FAO. Mr Moustapha Kamal Gueye, coordinator, ILO Green Jobs Programme, served as moderator.
Panellists shared their experiences in managing transitions with effective social, economic and environmental policies. The event highlighted the critical importance of decent work both in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and global action on climate change.
The example of Belarus demonstrated the formulation of national strategies on green economy linked to climate change, noting the need for international cooperation and transfer of technology. The case of Poland’s transition from a centrally planned to a market economy illustrated the importance of taking a balanced approach to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in managing transitions.
The example of Germany demonstrated how early action driven by government policies, along with an effective engagement of the private sector, can accelerate the energy transition with additional job creation. ITUC stressed the critical need of planning well the transition to low-carbon economies, with the involvement of workers and climate justice as a fundamental consideration.
The case of the Philippines highlighted the high vulnerability to climate change with implications for jobs and livelihoods, illustrating the potential of policy responses such as the Philippines Green Jobs Act to provide incentives for job creation. IOE stressed the central role of business, noting that enterprises are, and will be, at the forefront of climate change solutions. Speaking on behalf of UN agencies, the FAO noted that agriculture is the largest source of employment, that many viable technological solutions are available, and that fairness and justice towards farmers demand the mobilization of more financial resources to change agriculture.
In the following discussion, participants pointed to the importance of effective social dialogue, the importance of initiatives by industrialized countries to demonstrate what is possible, the role of youth, the need for investment in sustainable farming, and the role of pension funds in driving a transition towards carbon neutrality.
Overall, speakers and participants noted the need for planning transitions in ways that address impacts on workers and enterprises, the important role of government in setting policy and regulatory frameworks, and the crucial need for workers, enterprises and communities to engage in the implementation of climate change policies at all levels.
A full broadcast of the event by the UNFCCC Secretariat is accessible here.
