Providing decent work conditions for all can also contribute to the transition towards low-carbon societies – yet more finance for this is needed, participants have heard at an event organised in Geneva.

The world of work is full of solutions for climate change, Peter Poschen - Director of the International Labour Organisation’s Enterprises Department – said during the event, which was held together with the Geneva Environment Network on 12 October.

Indeed, the transition to green and decent jobs is coming fast said Steve Stone, head of UNEP’s Economics and Trade Branch, arguing that finance for this would be key.

Yet for the transition to green and decent jobs to take place, corporate social responsibility is not enough – environmentally conscious business leaders are needed, stressed Cecilia Rebong, the Philippines’ Ambassador to the UN in Geneva.

In line with this, the Barbadian Minister of Labour Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo - guest of honour at the event – commended the ILO policy guidelines for a just transition as a way of helping governments engage with social partners and other stakeholders, including the private sector. “We all have to work together,” she underlined, noting that the transition is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 covering labour.

In line with this, the Barbadian Minister of Labour Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo - guest of honour at the event – commended the ILO policy guidelines for a just transition as a way of helping governments engage with social partners and other stakeholders, including the private sector. “We all have to work together,” she underlined, noting that the transition is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 covering labour.

An ILO initiative led to France and Peru signing a "Joint call for action on climate change and decent work" which could feed into the preamble of a global climate deal reached in Paris next month.

A full report on the event can be read by clicking here
For more information please contact diana.rizzolio@unep.org