The ILO Green Jobs Programme: Work of ILO on environment, climate change, green economy and sustainable development


With the participation of:

When: December 2, 2010 - 13:30-15:00

Where: World of Work Pavillion, Universidad del Sur, Cancun Súper manzana 24, Manzana 15, Lote 10, Av. Uxmal Cancún - Quintana Ro

Title: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Green Jobs Programme: Work of ILO on environment, climate change, green economy and sustainable development

Overview:

Jobs are green when they help reducing negative environmental impact ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies. More precisely green jobs reduce consumption of energy and raw materials; limit greenhouse gas emissions; minimize waste and pollution and protect and restore ecosystems. This side event will present ILO’s approach to green economy and green jobs through its Green Jobs Programme, as well as the views and activities of the trade unions and partner organizations addressing the same challenge from a different perspective.

Agenda and Speakers:

13.30 Ana Belen Sanchez, Climate Change Specialist, Green Jobs Programme, ILO

13.45 Marina Maierom, World Health Organization Focal Point to the UNFCCC

13.55 Janet Kabeberi-Macharia, Senior Gender Advisor, UNEP

14.05 Anabella Rosemberg, International Trade Union Confederation

14.15 Q&A Session

Summary:

The twin challenge of sustainable development and decent work for all can be met. Green jobs and the promotion of the green economy are the key drivers for achieving an economic and social development that is also environmentally sustainable. Jobs are green when they help reducing negative environmental impact ultimately leading to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable enterprises and economies. More precisely green jobs:

Reduce consumption of energy and raw materials

Limit greenhouse gas emissions

Minimize waste and pollution

Protect and restore ecosystems

Green jobs can be created in all sectors and types of enterprises, in urban and rural areas. The creation of direct jobs comes with the production of green goods and services. The creation of indirect jobs flows from the required inputs in the making, handling and selling of these goods.

In order for green jobs to play this key role in socially inclusive development, they need to be decent jobs which provide adequate incomes, social protection and respect for the rights of workers, and give workers a say in decisions which will affect their lives. Investment in skills development for green jobs is a vital condition for the successful greening of enterprises and economies.

The potential for green jobs exists in countries at all levels of economic development. Investments and programmes to promote green jobs can be targeted at those who tend to need them most: young people, women and the poor.

Established in the 2008, the Green Jobs Programme brings together a strong team from various ILO units and offices across the world seeking the full involvement of the ILO constituents and building strategic partnerships. The programme provides policy guidance through active participation in international high-level policy debates on climate change and sustainable development; global analysis and country assessment of the potential of green jobs; direct technical assistance to ILO constituents and capacity building for ILO constituents in global and regional training courses.

Resources:

ILO www.ilo.org/greenjobs

WHO www.who.int/globalchange/en/

UNEP www.unep.org/climatechange

ITUC www.ituc-csi.org/