On 9 November 2021 from 11.30am – 1.00pm Fiji time, the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, together with the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) programme partners organised a virtual COP26 side event.

The virtual side event showcased the advancements of the Joint-Working Group, chaired by the Government of Fiji and Government of Tuvalu, to advance a regional framework to address climate related mobility. The side event also included key messages, innovative ideas and lessons learned from the PCCMHS programme.

Under the programme, the ILO is working with partner governments in the Pacific to increase the labour and human rights protection of migrant workers. The ILO is also seeking to improve access to labour mobility schemes and support reintegration.

Ms. Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific in her address said "of specific relevance to today’s discussions is the focus of the Global Call on a just transition to environmental sustainability. As we move towards a low carbon economy, we must not leave anyone behind. We must create solutions that are good for people, the planet and the economy. Such a move has the potential to create millions of jobs and promote social justice. The challenges faced by migrant workers must be addressed during this transition, if it is truly to be ‘Just’."