Within the framework of COP29, an event titled "From Theory to Practice for a Just Transition for All: Interregional High-Level South-South Political Dialogue" is being held
Within the framework of COP29, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have organized an event titled "From Theory to Practice for a Just Transition for All: Interregional High-Level South-South Political Dialogue," which has begun its work in Baku.
The two-day event will focus on topics such as the development of decent green jobs for all in the labor market as part of a just transition to a green economy, promoting circular economy approaches, exchanging experiences in this field, and discussing the implementation of ILO Guidelines.
During the event, which is attended by high-level officials from various countries, the UN, and other international organizations, a video dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the "Mazut Constitution," the first collective labor agreement in the East, was also showcased
Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Sahil Babayev, stated that the mitigation of the effects of climate change and the reduction of its impacts can only be achieved through joint efforts. The Minister highlighted the measures being taken in Azerbaijan in response to labor market challenges during the transition to a green economy, as well as the steps taken to strengthen the social protection system. He noted that the Ministry is utilizing digital solutions and the advantages of artificial intelligence in its service areas to further improve the quality of state social services, with over 90% of 160 services being digitized.
He also emphasized the importance of the e-social portal, the "Labor and Employment" subsystem, and other digital tools, stating that digital transformation is crucial for the success of social reforms and provides the social protection system with greater flexibility and resilience. The Minister pointed out the social reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan, highlighting that, in the last 6 years alone, four social reform packages, covering 4 million people, have been implemented. During this period, 624,000 unemployed and job-seeking individuals were provided with suitable employment, 35,000 individuals received vocational training, over 2,700 people were included in the wage co-financing program, and 92,000 people participated in the self-employment program.
S. Babayev emphasized that cooperation, mutual understanding, and joint efforts are essential in fostering socio-economic development, building an inclusive society, and establishing an environmentally sustainable future.
The event also featured speeches by several distinguished figures, including Markos Neto, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Development Programme and Director of the Policy and Programme Support Office; Beate Andres, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia; Dmitri Mariyasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe and Co-Chair of the UN Coalition on Environment and Climate Change for Europe and Central Asia; Erik Manzi, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Confederation of Trade Unions; and Sonya Janahini, Vice President for Asia at the International Organization of Employers. They all emphasized the importance of developing green jobs and promoting activities in this area as a critical part of the transition to a green economy.
The event continued with panel sessions and the exchange of experiences in relevant fields. During the sessions, representatives from international organizations and officials from various countries delivered speeches. In a regional roundtable organized on the integration of climate actions targeting inclusive and gender-responsive just transitions, government officials from several countries and representatives of international organizations shared their views on solutions for a just transition to a green economy, with a focus on increasing attention to gender equality and inclusivity.
Anar Karimov, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, emphasized that the speed and success of the transition to a green economy will depend primarily on the sustainability of businesses, the potential of a skilled and professional workforce, its efficient management, and the development of new social support mechanisms.
It is worth noting that the event "From Theory to Practice for a Just Transition for All: Interregional High-Level South-South Political Dialogue" will continue tomorrow, November 21.
