Skills for a sustainable transition

On 6 June, the International Labour Organisation organised an event ‘Boosting Skills for a Just Transition and the Future of Work”, in the framework of the global forum on a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all.

The global forum aimed at recognising occupational needs and skills gaps in the context of the future of work, green technologies and climate action; highlighting environmental challenges, effective skills response strategies, and good practice for a just transition for all. Discussions on potential international collaboration to make progress on human capital to support decent work and to strengthen climate action were also part of the event.

ETF Director, Cesare Onestini’s contribution to the event centred on skills development and lifelong learning for future green economies, “Lifelong learning means taking into account all pathways that help people develop or update their knowledge and skills, so that countries can maintain and grow their human capital. When talking about greener economies, initial training for young people, continuing training for employees or the self-employed, and training for unemployed people are all essential”, he said.

Background

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our times. So far 183 countries have committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change, aiming at keeping the rise in global temperatures to less than two degrees Celsius. Reaching such a goal requires societies to be ready and professionals with the right skills able to deliver what is needed for economies to grow sustainably.