Just Transition Pavilion opens at COP31 as decent work and social justice gain prominence in climate discussions

Geneva (ILO News) – The Just Transition Pavilion has opened at COP31, bringing together governments, employers, workers and other stakeholders to explore how climate commitments can translate into decent jobs, stronger social protection and sustainable enterprises.

The Pavilion is supported by funding from the European Commission and is jointly organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission, in collaboration with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The official opening, “From Climate Commitments to Decent Work: Advancing a Just Transition for All,” brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, employers' and workers' organizations, and civil society. Discussions focused on translating climate ambition into decent jobs, stronger social protection, sustainable enterprises and inclusive opportunities for all.

The Pavilion's opening comes as the first week of COP31 has seen growing recognition of decent work and social justice in climate action. The ILO has contributed technical expertise to formal negotiations and broader policy discussions, helping to integrate the world of work perspective into climate decision-making.

“Decent work and social justice are gaining increasing recognition in climate discussions. This is an important step towards ensuring that climate action not only addresses environmental challenges but also creates opportunities for workers, enterprises and communities, leaving no one behind,” said Moustapha Gueye, Director of the ILO Policy Hub.

This growing attention is reflected in several negotiation processes, including the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and gender and climate change. Through technical inputs and engagement with governments, social partners and international organizations, the ILO has promoted greater consideration of employment, skills development, social protection, social dialogue, sustainable enterprises and labour rights.

Throughout COP31, the Just Transition Pavilion will host a diverse programme of events, high-level dialogues and knowledge-sharing sessions addressing the social and employment dimensions of climate action. Sessions will explore issues ranging from green skills and workforce readiness to financing a just transition, social dialogue, responsible business conduct, occupational safety and health, gender equality and youth employment.

Beyond the negotiations, the ILO continues to support countries in translating climate commitments into concrete policies and action, that prepare workers for economic transformation, protect livelihoods and support enterprises.

This includes technical assistance for the development of national just transition strategies in countries such as Nigeria, Bangladesh and, most recently, Türkiye, which launched its Just Transition Strategy ahead of COP31.

“The challenge now is to translate this growing recognition into implementation. Through our work with governments, employers and workers, and platforms such as the Just Transition Pavilion, the ILO is helping countries turn climate commitments into policies that promote decent jobs, strengthen social protection and support sustainable enterprises,” Gueye added.

As COP31 progresses, the Pavilion will continue to provide a platform for sharing country experiences, strengthening partnerships and identifying practical solutions for a just transition, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing while reinforcing the message that ambitious climate action and social justice must go hand in hand.

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