Trade unions across Asia and the Pacific have come together to advance a worker-centered, fair, inclusive and sustainable transition towards green jobs and decent work.
On 9-11 July 2025, some 20 trade union delegates took part in the Trade Union Regional Conference on Just Transition organized by the ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) with the support of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU).
During the event, awareness-raising and experience exchange took place to enhance the capacity of participants to support the just transition through effective engagement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), policy dialogue and cooperation with governments, employers and climate actors.
Against the backdrop of escalating climate risks, digital transformation and structural shifts in regional economies, the Asia-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to these impacts.
"Political recognition is not enough. We must now demand implementation of climate policies at the national level," said Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP). "Labour priorities and skills development strategies must be aligned with climate objectives … this is not just about mitigation. It is about adaptation, resilience and survival."
The conference underscored the importance of taking coordinated actions with multiple stakeholders, the need for social dialogue for facilitating a rights-based just transition as well as the implementation of national, regional and global initiatives.
Peer learning among trade unions by sharing country-specific experiences and successful strategies was also highlighted as important as was the inclusion of women, youth and informal workers in unions' climate actions.
"This conference is a valuable opportunity to bring our diverse experiences together. The presence of trade union participants from across the region reflects the international solidarity essential to make the just transition a reality," said Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
The event also highlighted the necessity of regional cooperation and alliances among trade unions in the region. The participants affirmed the significant role of the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all (2015) in providing the central reference for developing common strategies related to climate policy, green jobs and decent work.
© ILO
