Organizers

Recording

Background 

This event was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the RES4Africa Foundation. Skills development is one of key policy areas to address environmental, economic and social sustainability. The Resolution and Conclusions adopted by 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) endorsed the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all - as the central reference for policy-making and a basis for action in June 2023. Skills development is one of key pillar and policy area of the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition. Furthermore, the 2023 ILC Resolution and Conclusions on a Just Transition has made particular reference on importance to promote skills and lifelong learning, including quality apprenticeships, that are conducive to personal development and responsive to identified labour market needs as enablers for a just transition and green jobs and as a buffer against adverse impacts of change.

The ILO’s estimates show that the transition to energy sustainability and circular economy could lead to a job creation of 103 million globally by 2030. However, some 78 million jobs could be lost. This means that it would require massive investment in skilling, reskilling and upskilling to tap into the new employment creation potential, and to enable a transition of workers from declining to growing sectors. In addition, the projection shows that there will be larger demand for higher skill level occupations and most of turnover will happen for medium-skilled occupations which has a great implication for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) level.

In light of this, TVET needs to anticipate and respond to skill changes needed for successful careers in low-carbon and resource efficient economies and societies. TVET systems in close partnership with social partners need to prepare their current and future learners for being responsible and well-informed producers and consumers, and for being able to act competently, creatively and as agents for climate change and sustainability in their workplaces and in society at large.

Objectives

The objectives of this session encompassed gathering insights and expertise from experts, countries, industries, and trade unions. The panel session focused on the following key points:

• Why TVET and skills development is important for a just transition;
• What are challenges and opportunities for greening TVET and skills development;
• What approach should be taken to enable and support both current and future workers to be equipped and acquire the essential skills to actively contribute to a just transition.

Format & Structure

This webinar hosted an online panel discussion. The panel discussion shed light on the importance of greening TVET and skills development in preparing the current and future workforce with the necessary skills for a sustainable, just and inclusive transition. The discussion featured experts (UN-wide, developing partners, social partners and countries) who provided insights and knowledge on this subject.

There was a detailed presentation on the ILO tool, which was published in 2022 and launched at COP27. The tool, titled "Greening TVET and skills development: A practical step-by-step guidance tool," was designed to assist TVET stakeholders in integrating skills for the green transition into their programs in a comprehensive and systematic manner.

Segment A

Segment B

Outcomes

1. Shared, discussed, informed and exchanged with updates on how the ILO tools were being effectively used and could be piloted on greening TVET and skills development for green jobs and could support the transition to make it green, resilient and just and meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement for effective implementation of the NDCs, employment policies and broader synergy with UN and non-UN agencies.
2. Helped TVET stakeholders to step up the pace of change for a just transition.