ILO champions just transition at Jamaica’s Workers’ Week 2025
The ILO joined Jamaica’s Workers’ Week 2025 to promote climate justice, green jobs, and decent work through its Jamaica Just Transition Project. Activities included community outreach and collaboration with cultural institutions to support a fair, sustainable future.
23 May 2025
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica (ILO News) - Demonstrating its commitment to a future where environmental sustainability and social justice go hand in hand, the International Labour Organization (ILO) played a leading role in promoting a just transition during Jamaica’s Workers’ Week 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, under the timely theme: “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future,” this year’s events spotlighted the growing importance of sustainability and climate resilience in the world of work, a priority aligned with the ILO’s mission.
At the heart of the celebrations, the ILO hosted an interactive booth that brought climate justice and green jobs to life through fun, hands-on experiences during the Cultural Day festivities on 22 May 2025 at Workers’ Park in Frome, Westmoreland. Ms. Marissa Sheppard, National Project Officer, and Ms. Kaliyma Boxill, Programme Project Assistant, led the ILO’s outreach during the event. They spoke with attendees about how ideas like climate justice, open conversations between workers and employers, and fair job opportunities can become a natural part of Jamaica’s growth and progress. Visitors engaged in fun, educational games and activities designed to make complex topics like green jobs and climate action accessible and relevant to their communities. “We want these ideas to move beyond the policy table and into the everyday lives of Jamaicans,” said Ms. Sheppard.
The ILO's engagement extended beyond the park. Meaningful discussions took place with key partners, including a meeting with Ms. Tracy Commock, Director of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica. Discussions explored synergies between the Jamaica Just Transition: Embedding Climate Justice in Regional Policy Frameworks project and the Museum's work, identifying exciting opportunities to bolster community engagement and ensure local voices are central to environmental stewardship and policy development.
The team also engaged with the Institute of Jamaica to identify new opportunities to support environmental learning and community engagement through culture and education. Building on the Institute’s longstanding role as a hub for heritage and public education, discussions focused on how environmental themes like Just Transition could be woven into cultural programming, exhibitions, and outreach initiatives.
The ILO’s involvement in Workers’ Week 2025 reflects its ongoing support for a fair and inclusive transition to a green economy. Through the Jamaica Just Transition project, the ILO is helping to build policies and partnerships that put people at the centre of climate action.
As Jamaica continues to lead the way in integrating environmental stewardship with labour rights and social dialogue, the ILO remains committed to working alongside the national partners and communities to protect the planet while securing decent work for all.