Asia-Pacific Regional Case for Implementing the Global Accelerator by a Just Transition in Paper and Pulp Industry in Viet Nam

Key partners and Stakeholders

• Ministry of Home Affair (MOHA)
• Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)
• Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL)
• Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)
• Viet Nam Pulp and Paper Association (VPPA)
• Employers and workers in the paper and pulp industry

Background

Viet Nam’s paper and pulp industry is an important economic and employment driver, but faces environmental, technological, and decent work challenges, particularly among SMEs. High resource use, pollution, and poor working conditions highlight the need for a just transition.

As the country advances its net-zero and digital agendas, coordinated action is needed to align environmental goals with the protection of workers and livelihoods. A just transition requires inclusive policies, strengthened social dialogue, and targeted support for SMEs and vulnerable workers.

Investments in future-ready skills, green technologies, and expanded social protection are essential to ensure a fair, resilient, and sustainable transformation.

Project objectives

As part of a regional initiative, the project supports Viet Nam’s paper and pulp industry in its transition toward a greener and more inclusive economy by strengthening institutional frameworks, expanding social protection, promoting OSH and skills development, and enabling SMEs to adopt green technologies.

Project strategy

Grounded in the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the project supports Viet Nam’s objective to become a Pathfinder country under the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.

Through a sectoral approach, it promotes inclusive transition pathways by integrating environmental and economic goals with decent work, enterprise competitiveness, and social inclusion.

Expected outcomes

• Sectoral transition supported through low-carbon, resource-efficient production in the pulp and paper industry, contributing to green industrial development and climate resilience.
• Green and decent jobs promoted through improved OSH, fair wages, expanded social protection, and skills development for vulnerable and low-skilled workers.
• Capacity strengthened for tripartite partners and sectoral stakeholders to foster effective consultations and dialogue for inclusive and sustainable enterprise development

For further information please contact:

Ms Nguyen Ngoc Duyen
National Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]