18 November, 2025As COP30 progresses in Belém, the first week of negotiations has made one point clear: Just Transition remains at the heart of global climate discussions. With countries exploring how to strengthen implementation under the Paris Agreement, the debate has centred on the future of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and the possible direction for enhancing its impact.
Strengthening the JTWP: implementation at the forefront
The Brazilian Presidency and the G77 have highlighted the need for greater focus on implementation. Discussions have therefore included different ideas on how to reinforce work under the JTWP, including the proposal of a Belém Action Mechanism (BAM).
Throughout the week, parties have exchanged views on whether new structures are needed or whether progress can be achieved by building on and expanding the existing JTWP framework. Many emphasised that strengthening Just Transition should go hand in hand with ensuring broad participation, social dialogue and coherence with existing international processes.
While views continue to evolve, the overall trend is toward ensuring that any outcome remains practical, inclusive and anchored in established commitments.
Union perspective: workers must remain at the centre
For IndustriALL, the priority remains clear: workers must have a meaningful role in shaping Just Transition policies and all climate action must be anchored in labour rights, decent work and social dialogue.
Unions participating in COP30 have highlighted key considerations:
- Implementation must complement, not replace, the tools that already exist to protect labour rights.
- Any future arrangements should ensure ongoing engagement for workers and civil society.
- The ILO and its Just Transition Guidelines remain essential reference points for operationalizing Just Transition globally.
These principles guide IndustriALL’s approach as discussions continue into week two.
Climate finance: a key element for progress
Climate finance remains one of the most important elements for achieving effective Just Transition outcomes. Delegates have underlined the need for predictable and adequate resources to support countries in implementing national plans, supporting workers and communities and ensuring that climate ambition is matched by the means to act.
The shape and effectiveness of future Just Transition work will depend closely on the progress made on this issue.
Gender equality and inclusion
The Gender Action Plan, adopted at COP29, continues to play an important role in discussions. Women’s rights organizations and unions have emphasized the importance of ensuring that gender equality remains integrated across all workstreams, including Just Transition.
Delegates have underlined the need for inclusive approaches that reflect the diversity of workers and communities affected by the climate transition.
A constructive atmosphere at COP30
Participants have noted a more collaborative and transparent atmosphere at COP30 compared to previous negotiations. The Presidency’s approach has contributed to a positive working environment, helping delegates focus on moving forward without reopening previously agreed decisions.
As the second week begins, attention will shift toward the emerging elements of the COP30 outcome. Regardless of the final form, whether through a strengthened action plan under the JTWP or additional arrangements, the message from unions remains consistent:
Just transition must be grounded in labour rights, supported by social dialogue collective bargaining and inclusive of workers at all levels.
“COP30 is an opportunity to reinforce that climate action must go hand in hand with decent work. Whatever shape the outcome takes, workers must remain central in designing and implementing a Just Transition that is fair, inclusive and grounded in rights.” says Kan Matsuzaki, IndustriALL assistant general secretary
Photo credit: Shutterstock 2689301407 Belém - Pará - Brasil - SEP 10 2024: Symbol of CAP 30 in Belém do Pará