Just Transition: The path to a healthy planet for the prosperity of all

SIDE EVENT
Friday 3 June
11:00-12:15 CEST
Stockholmsmässan, Room 4

Organizers: Olof Palme International Center, International Trade Union Confederation, the ITUC Just Transition Centre, The Swedish Trade Union Confederation, SOLIDAR, Foundation for European Progressive Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

About: Urgent action is needed to prevent the breakdown of our climate and the natural world. At the same time, the global divide between rich and poor is deeper than ever, and workers’ rights are under attack. The crisis of nature and the crisis of inequality are closely linked. We must address both at once.

That is why trade unions all over the world are calling for a Just Transition. All jobs need to become green and decent, and workers and communities must have safety and opportunity in this great shift. Importantly, they must also have a say in how the transition is made. Social dialogue between workers, their unions and employers are an essential part of a Just Transition.

This fundamental upgrade of the world of work must also benefit women. How do we seize this opportunity to take a leap towards gender equality? And what should the Global North be doing to support Just Transitions in the Global South?

Join us at this seminar to discuss what steps you can take during Stockholm+50 to ensure that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic supports a Just Transition for workers and communities.

Moderator(s): Oscar Ernerot (The Swedish Trade Union Confederation)

Panelists:

  • Samantha Smith (The International Trade Union Confederation’s Just Transition Centre)
  • Godfrey Kanyenze (The Labour and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe)
  • Nadia April (Women’s Leadership Centre)

Contact person: Cajsa Unnbom (cajsa.unnbom_at_palmecenter.se)

Event outcomes (Key transformative actions):

  • Governments should ensure that Just Transition is part of tripartite social dialogue between governments, workers and workers’ organisations, and employers.

  • Social partners (governments, employers and workers’ organisations) should urgently integrate fundamental principles and human rights at work, as outlined in the ILO conventions, to promote decent green jobs. They need to fully take into account the gender dimension and make inclusion a priority in order to “leave no one behind".

  • All governments should urgently create systems for meaningful stakeholder engagement, so that women, youth, rural farmers/communities and indigenous communities can fully participate in the creation of a Just Transition. In order for there to be inclusive participation and decision-making, the governments should support empowerment projects of these groups and restore ownership of the land to local communities.


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