What to expect at COP29 – ensuring a just transition

At COP28, on 13 December 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Just Transition work programme was agreed. In recent years, the concept of a just transition has gained momentum in relation to achieving climate goals by ensuring that the actions taken towards a sustainable future include all of society, encompassing every community, worker, and social group. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines a just transition as “greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.” 

Evidently, there is an increasing consideration of a just transition in national climate action plans, with more countries addressing social and economic impacts of the transition to low-carbon and resilient economies. As of 31 October 2022, 38% of NDCs explicitly reference just transition principles, as do 57% of all long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). 

The first Dialogue under the work programme took place in Bonn in June, providing the opportunity for 170 Party representatives and non-party observers the opportunity to share their views and experiences on just transition pathways to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement through countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  

Earlier this month, the second dialogue took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, setting the precedent for the negotiations and discussions set to take place at COP29. A fixed priority of the Framework for Action is delivering deep, rapid and sustained emission reductions now to keep temperatures under control and stay below 1.5°C, while leaving no one behind. 

In particular, on November 14, during the Finance, Investment and Trade Day, a high-level dialogue will take place on catalysing investment for the just transition, including on jobs and skills. 

Following this, the first Human Development Day on 18 November will take a holistic view of climate change that treats human development, youth, health and education as inter-related issues to be supported, while also addressing each thematic issue as a standalone priority. On this day, the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience will be launched, establishing a strategic global collaboration on human development and climate change, bringing together international organisations, multilateral development banks and other stakeholders in the fields of education, health, social protection, jobs and skills, children and youth, and gender. It is intended to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, induce investment in human development by matching needs with funds, and identify gaps and opportunities. 

The Climate Action Innovation Zone, taking place 13-15 November, will support COP29’s ambitions, with the Sustainable Innovation Forum agenda focusing on strategies and innovations to accelerate the transition to an equitable global economy. 

Moreover, the agri-food sector is the world’s largest employer, directly employing over one billion people. As such it plays an important role in efforts to reduce poverty and improve people’s livelihoods. Therefore, ensuring the transition to a sustainable food system is a just one is critical. Looking towards a farmer-centred, regenerative future will be a key theme of Agri-Food Systems Summit, taking place within the Climate Action Innovation Zone on 15 November.  

The panel "From the Ground Up—Farmer-led Pathways to a Just Transition" will bring together global experts to explore farmer-driven solutions for a sustainable food system. Moderated by Dennis Rangi, Director General of CAB International, the discussion will feature insights from Dr. Andrea Porro, Secretary General of the World Farmers' Organisation, and Vincent Chauvet, Mayor of Autun, France, and member of the European Committee of the Regions. Together, they’ll unpack how farmers can be empowered and receive the support they need to drive change through widespread farmer-led innovation. 

To find out more about the Climate Action Innovation Zone and how to get involved, visit: Climate Action Innovation Zone