Within the framework of COP29 held in Baku, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched the high-level cross-regional South-South Policy Dialogue “From vision to Practice for a Just Transition for All”.
The two-day event’s agenda includes discussions on the development of decent green jobs for all, the promotion of circular economy approaches, the exchange of experiences in this field, and discussion of the application of the ILO Guidelines for a just transition in the labour market to a green economy.
The event, attended by high-level officials from various countries, the United Nations, and other international organizations, featured a video dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the "Mazut Constitution," the first collective labour agreement in the East.
The Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Sahil Babayev stated that the mitigation of the effects of climate change and its impacts can only be achieved through joint efforts. The Minister highlighted the actions taken in Azerbaijan in response to labour 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 using digital solutions and the advantages of artificial intelligence in its service areas to improve the quality of state social services, with more than 90% of the 160 services already digitized.
He also emphasized the importance of the e-social portal, the "Labour and Employment" subsystem, and other digital tools, noting that digital transformation is vital for the success of social reforms and makes the social protection system more agile and resilient. He further highlighted the social reforms in Azerbaijan, noting that four social reform packages covering 4 million people have been implemented in the country over the past six years. During this period, 624000 unemployed and job-seeking individuals were provided with suitable jobs, 35000 individuals received vocational training, more than 2700 people participated in co-financing programs for salaries, and 92000 individuals were included in self-employment programs.
Sahil Babayev emphasized that cooperation, understanding, and joint efforts are required to form an inclusive society and build an environmentally sustainable future.
Additionally, speeches were delivered by Marcos Neto, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau of Policy and Programme Support; Beate Andrees, Regional Director Europe and Central Asia, International Labour Organization (ILO); Dmitry Mariyasin, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNECE, Co-Chair of the UN Issue-based Coalition Europe and Central Asia Environment and Climate Change; Eric Manzi, Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); and Sonya Janah, Vice President for Asia, International Organisation of Employers (IOE). They emphasized the importance of developing green jobs and promoting activities in this direction as essential for transitioning to a green economy.
The event continued with panel sessions and the exchange of experiences in relevant fields. During the sessions, representatives of international organizations, as well as officials from various countries, delivered speeches. In a regional roundtable organized on the integration of climate actions aimed at an inclusive, gender-responsive, and just transition, government officials from several countries and representatives of international organizations shared their views on solutions for a just transition to a green economy, as well as the importance of increasing focus on gender equality and inclusivity.
Anar Karimov, the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, emphasized that the rapid and successful transition to a green economy will primarily depend on the sustainability of business, the potential of a skilled and professional workforce and its efficient management, as well as the development of new social support mechanisms.
The high-level cross-regional South-South Policy Dialogue “From vision to Practice for a Just Transition for All” will continue tomorrow, November 21.
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