Call to Action: fostering social dialogue for a just transition to a resilient low-carbon economy

The Call to Action was signed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation and the International Organisation of Employers. It is a powerful appeal to step up joint action to a sustainable future, fostering innovative solutions and promoting social dialogue.

© HSC

© HSC

Why a Call to Action?
The primary goal is to encourage international cooperation and strengthen social dialogue among governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations to accelerate a just transition. In line with the ILO Just Transition Guidelines and the resolution of the 111th International Labour Conference (2023), it places social dialogue at the centre of efforts to maximize the economic and social benefits of the ecological transition while minimizing the risks of job loss and inequality.

Priorities for joint action

This initiative is guided by a commitment to advancing a just transition through collaboration, inclusion and effective policy action.

Alliance building
Partnerships across social groups are encouraged to address shared challenges and promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices on just transition efforts. Strong alliances help build collective capacity to deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

Social dialogue
Inclusive social dialogue is promoted as a cornerstone of economic resilience, decent work, and social cohesion. Constructive engagement among governments, employers and workers helps ensure that transition processes are fair, participatory and responsive to the needs of all.

Representation and capacity building
The role of workers’ and employers’ organizations in shaping forward-looking policies and supporting workforce development is strengthened. Enhancing institutional capacity and skills development is essential to preparing people for future green jobs and emerging sectors.

Policy integration
The integration of just transition principles into national development strategies and climate action frameworks, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, is supported. Embedding these principles into policy frameworks helps ensure coherence, accountability and long-term impact.

Why should you support?

Supporting this Call to Action means advancing a just transition through strong and inclusive social dialogue. Regular consultations on progress, combined with the use of existing national and international platforms, help align efforts, share lessons learned and avoid duplication. Ensuring effective representation of all social partners strengthens legitimacy, trust and the quality of transformation processes.

The Global Call to Action is non-legally binding, but voluntary and flexible, making it accessible and adaptable to different national contexts and resource realities. While grounded in cooperation, it aims to catalyse meaningful change by mobilizing collective commitment. Supporting it signals a shared determination to work together toward fair, inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Who can pledge?

The Call is open to endorsement by governments and other relevant public institutions, regional bodies, international and national employers’ and workers’ organizations, international organizations and NGOs.