Designing coherent and equitable climate policies for a just transition

There is an increasing concern over how the national implementation of climate policies can contribute to growing inequalities both within and between countries. This issue is particularly relevant this year because 2023 represents the midway point of the 2030 Agenda. It is clear that the world is not making sufficient progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, with inequality in its many dimensions deepening in many countries. These headwinds make it more difficult to implement the ambitious adaptation and mitigation policies needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

One approach to achieving multiple goals is through a Just Transition, which has grown increasingly prominent since COP24 in Katowice. Many countries, especially major emerging economies, consider their climate action contingent on compensation for communities impacted by fossil-fuel phase out. Subsequently, Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JET-P) have become important models for how the international community can support a just transition in emerging economies. However, achieving just transitions will require policy tools that help national governments balance their climate and development goals.

Our expected impact

The primary aim of the side-event is to discuss on-the-ground challenges national governments face in implementing their climate and development goals and achieving a just transition. Bringing together institutions from the Global South and the Global North, the event includes key policymakers and actors from JET-P countries to highlight mechanisms for implementing just policies, as well as civil society actors sharing the implications of a just transition on the ground. Overall, the event provides insights and examples on how interactions between climate change, sustainable development and inequality can be managed within national contexts to achieve a just transition.

Opening

Åsa Persson, Stockholm Environment Institute

Zoha Shawoo, Stockholm Environment Institute

Panel 1

Alexia Faus Onbargi, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

Birgit Strube, Head of Unit at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ);

Mirjam Reiner, Programme Officer – Policy and Socioeconomics, IRENA

Innocentia Modau, Youth Climate Champions Programme Coordinator, WWF South Africa

Panel 2

TBC, International Climate Development Institute (ICDI)

Zuzanna Borowska, Liberian government COP28 delegation

Yun-Jeng Gina LEE, Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition

Hui-Ping Chen, Taiwan Green Energy for Charity Association

Closing remarks

Bahareh Seyedi, UN-DESA