Green jobs

Afghanistan would benefit from Just Transition to Green Economy workshop hears

Priority areas and challenges to change discussed for a Just Transition that could provide long-term benefits to the country and its people.

News | 14 March 2023
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KABUL, Afghanistan (ILO News) – Afghanistan would benefit from a just transition to a green economy despite the many challenges the country faces, participants at a workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in Kabul heard recently.

Held on 7-8 March 2023, the event saw discussion on priority areas that could help Afghanistan transition towards an inclusive green economy.

“We understood new concepts on green economy and shared our common concerns which are the main obstacles preventing change in the country,” said Freba Noori, from the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Taking part were some 35 female and male participants from workers' and employers' organizations, the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as the de facto government.

Participants at the workshop, in Kabul, on 7-8 March. © ILO
Participants shared insights and discussed the implication of decarbonization in the country. Droughts, flash floods and desertification were all identified as major natural challenges facing Afghanistan.

“This workshop helped us to enrich our policy and plans for the just transition to a green economy both at the design and implementation stages", said Rohullah Amin, Climate Change Director, NEPA.

Recommendations covered areas including solar energy, water management, building dams, waste recycling, mechanized agriculture and the fight against desertification. The need for further collaboration among the public and private sectors as well as national and international non-government organizations was also recognized.

“Afghanistan faces many serious challenges that require an immediate response. However, we should not lose sight of the importance of the just transition to a green economy, which in the mid to longer-term can greatly benefit the country and its people. We will continue supporting collective efforts in this regard in close collaboration with the National Environmental Protection and the other key stakeholders,” said Dr Ramin Behzad, ILO Senior Coordinator for Afghanistan.

A Just Transition means greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. It involves maximizing the social and economic opportunities of climate action, while minimizing and carefully managing any challenges – including through effective social dialogue among all groups impacted, and respect for fundamental labour principles and rights.