The MNE Declaration and a just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies

Urgent action to advance a just transition is imperative to achieving social justice, decent work and poverty eradication, and collectively address the triple planetary crisis and the interrelated challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. 

A just transition promotes environmentally sustainable economies in a way that is inclusive, by creating decent work opportunities, reducing inequality and leaving no one behind. It should be grounded on effective social dialogue, respect for fundamental principles and rights at work, and be in alignment with international labour standards. It involves maximizing the social and economic opportunities of climate action, while minimizing and carefully managing the challenges.

The ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition Towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All, which were developed and adopted by the representatives of governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, provide the central reference for policymaking and a basis for action on just transition. The Guidelines recognize the central role of governments, in consultation with the social partners, in formulating and implementing policies, laws and regulations aimed at addressing the environmental change in a way that advances social justice and promotes decent work creation.

In 2023, at its 111th session, the International Labour Conference adopted a Resolution and Conclusions concerning a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all, that endorse the ILO Guidelines and highlight the particular relevance of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) in promoting responsible business conduct for the realization of decent work in a just transition context. The Conclusions called on governments in consultation with social partners to “foster inclusive and sustainable trade and investment frameworks, value chains and supply chains that contribute to a just transition and decent work; and effectively implement the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”