Plan International joins forces with the UN-led Green Jobs for Youth Pact
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact proudly welcomes Plan International’s commitment to empower youth and promote gender equality. The innovative initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aims to provide youth with the skills and opportunities needed for a sustainable and equitable future, addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, economic resilience, and gender equality.
1 July 2025
The Pact tackles gap in skills for green jobs
The International Labour Organization estimates that a just transition to a green economy could generate 8.4 million jobs for young people by 2030. Yet, current trends reveal a considerable skills gap among youth for the roles needed to achieve a sustainable, resilient, and net-zero future. By 2030, more than 60% of young people may lack the critical skills required to succeed in a low-carbon economy, underscoring the urgent need for focused training and skill-building initiatives.
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact aims to meet this challenge by bringing together governments, social partners, youth organizations, and the private sector to take decisive action in creating decent green job opportunities around the world.
Advancing Gender Equality and Climate Action
As a global leader in advancing children's rights and equality for girls, Plan International Netherlands is committed to providing green skills training to young people across the globe. The “Hope Town Hero” project in the Philippines aims to equip 500 youth with essential green skills, while in Ecuador, Plan will support 300 youth across 10 communities to pursue green entrepreneurship initiatives. Additionally, the Green YEE projects in the Philippines, China, Lebanon, Ecuador, Colombia, and Ghana will empower young people through skills development in digital, financial, and green entrepreneurship. These initiatives are essential to promoting climate literacy, environmental responsibility, and gender equality across communities. Plan International’s “She Leads” programme will also empower girls and young women in Africa and the Middle East to engage in climate advocacy.
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact remains dedicated to equipping the next generation with the tools to succeed in a green economy, emphasizing that a sustainable future depends on inclusive and decent job creation. Plan International Netherlands will leverage their expertise in community engagement and youth education to reach underserved populations, especially young women and marginalized groups. This includes targeted training with the Green Life Skills Curriculum, covering sustainable practices, renewable energy, waste management, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Ana Maria Peña, Youth Economic Empowerment Thematic Lead at Plan International: "Plan International is thrilled to join the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, bringing our global expertise to foster green skills, green jobs, and green entrepreneurship for young people, especially young women as well as our experience in supporting girls and young women to engage in climate-related advocacy processes. Together, we envision innovative partnerships that will empower youth worldwide to thrive in green careers and drive change"
Building Green Pathways for Sustainable Employment
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact recognizes that the transition to a green economy presents an opportunity to redefine employment landscapes worldwide with the aim to establish pathways that are inclusive, fair, and sustainable. This new commitment will focus on expanding access to green jobs in developing regions, where environmental challenges are most pressing, and economic opportunities are most needed. Plan International’s programs will equip young people with the competencies required to seize green job opportunities.
About Plan International Netherlands
Plan International Netherlands, a branch of Plan International, is committed to promoting children’s rights and gender equality by creating safe, inclusive, and equal opportunities for all youth. With a rights-based, community-centered approach, Plan International supports girls and young women in building resilient futures while contributing to lasting social and environmental change.
About the Green Jobs for Youth Pact
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact is an interagency collaboration between the ILO, UNEP and UNICEF, dedicated to promoting a just transition to low-carbon economy while boosting decent work and green jobs opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs. The Pact brings together governments, businesses, and educational institutions through three tracks:
- Employment creation & entrepreneurship
- Environmental education & skills for green jobs
- Empowerment & youth engagement
For more information on how to commit to the Green Jobs for Youth Pact, please contact:
Sergio Andrés Iriarte Quezada, Youth Employment Specialist, [email protected]