International finance, tech crucial for just transition

Tackling global climate challenges and transitioning toward a low-carbon, eco-friendly economy requires ensuring modern technology transfer and debt-free financing for vulnerable nations. According to relevant sources, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo highlighted these imperatives on Friday, November 13, during a high-level panel discussion titled 'From Climate Commitments to Decent Work: Advancing a Just Transition for All', marking the official inauguration of the Just Transition Pavilion in the Blue Zone of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.

During the discussion, the Environment Minister stated that adequate, predictable, and accessible financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building support from developed nations are essential to ensure a just transition. Specifically, least developed and climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh require international assistance that does not create new debt burdens. He emphasized that livelihood protection, job creation, social justice, and climate resilience must be prioritized so that the benefits of climate actions reach ordinary citizens.

Noting that Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the minister stated that a just transition for Bangladesh means more than moving toward a low-carbon economy; it means protecting affected livelihoods, enhancing resilience, and creating employment and opportunities for all through eco-friendly economic activities without leaving anyone behind. He noted that Bangladesh's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) implementation plan includes a dedicated, costed chapter on just transition, formulated with the government, employers, workers' representatives, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to integrate climate action with employment, social protection, and inclusive economic growth.

Highlighting green technology and renewable energy targets, Abdul Awal Mintoo stated that the government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation to 20 percent by 2030, including 5,500 megawatts from rooftop solar power. This initiative will drive green job creation, workforce skilling, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the government has undertaken a five-year program to plant 250 million trees, with nearly 36 million saplings already planted, potentially creating around 350,000 green jobs. Plans are also underway to excavate and restore 20,000 kilometers of canals to boost agriculture, fisheries, rural employment, and climate resilience.

The minister stressed ensuring meaningful participation of workers, employers, women, youth, and climate-vulnerable communities in decision-making, alongside strengthening skills development, working conditions, and social protection for evolving labor markets. He urged capitalizing on new employment opportunities in renewable energy, eco-friendly industries, climate-resilient agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. Emphasizing affordable financing, modern technology, and technical support for small and medium entrepreneurs transitioning to green production, he noted that the shift must not negatively impact existing jobs or industrial competitiveness.

Finally, the minister affirmed Bangladesh's support for a country-driven, demand-based just transition mechanism guided by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), prioritizing least developed and vulnerable nations to deliver measurable benefits locally. Jointly organized by the ILO and the European Commission in collaboration with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the UNFCCC, the panel was moderated by Mustafa Kamal Gueye, Director of the ILO Policy Coherence Hub. Participants included Kiribati's Minister for Employment and Human Resource Development Auria Kitina, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Indigenous Peoples Rights International Executive Director Joan Carling, and youth and women representatives.

 //DBTech/THMP/SCDE/FOED//