The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed the adoption of the Belém Political Package at the 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Package, adopted by 195 countries, is a landmark outcome, which strengthens global efforts to advance climate action and promote a just transition that creates decent work, expands social protection and generates inclusive socio-economic opportunities for all.
The ILO provided technical support throughout the 2-week negotiations to help integrate decent work and just transition objectives across key decision-making processes, including those related to the United Arab Emirates Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), among others.
© Denise Santos @ILO
The ILO commends the significant progress achieved under the JTWP. This includes a strong emphasis on social dialogue, labour rights, decent work and quality jobs for just transitions; recognition of the relevance of just transition pathways for both mitigation and adaptation; and explicit attention to human rights and the participation of workers affected by transitions, women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, migrants, youth, and workers in the informal economy, among others. Besides, for the first time in COP history, the importance of the participation of people of African descent was also formally recognized.
The JTWP further acknowledges the importance of skills development, social protection and private-sector engagement, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It also notes that the informal economy and the care economy are important to consider to ensure just transitions. In addition, it underscores the importance of the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all and the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which can support countries in developing nationally appropriate strategies.
A significant milestone emerging from the JTWP discussions at COP30 is the decision to develop a just transition mechanism to enhance international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing.
The ILO also provided technical support to Parties in their deliberations on the GGA, which focused on developing a set of indicators to measure global progress in reducing vulnerabilities, building resilience and strengthening adaptive capacities. The inclusion of indicators that incorporate social protection is a major step forward.
In addition, the ILO supported the Brazilian COP Presidency's Action Agenda, particularly within the Activation Groups related to job creation and skills, as well as MSMEs and entrepreneurship.
© Denise Santos @ILO
Countries also adopted the Belém Gender Action Plan, which advances gender-responsive climate action while recognizing just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities.
ILO specialists also contributed to a wide range of technical discussions and high-level panels across the COP30 venues, focusing on: social dialogue, labour rights, inclusion, skills development, Nature Based Solutions, finance, green industrialization, social protection, enterprise resilience, rights and the leadership of indigenous and tribal peoples and in driving climate action.
Looking ahead
The ILO's engagement at COP30 reinforces a clear message: just transition, climate action and social justice are inseparable. Countries who took part in this year's COP30 have recognised the importance of social dialogue, respect for labour rights, and the creation of decent work and quality jobs for just transitions. As countries accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to rising climate impacts, policies must ensure that workers, enterprises and communities are supported throughout the transition to build inclusive and resilient low-carbon economies.
