The European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait, together with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Kuwait organised an event titled “Supporting a Just Transition in Kuwait: Decent Jobs for a Sustainable Future”. This event, held in Kuwait City on 26^th September 2023, sought to highlight the importance of a Just Transition to tackle the effects of climate change grounded in a human-centred and human rights-based approach, ahead of the upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28) in the United Arab Emirates.

The event brought together speakers from the European Union and the ILO, key stakeholders in the Kuwaiti government such as the Environmental Public Authority, the Public Authority for Manpower and the Youth Public Authority, along with Kuwaiti-run organisations, academia, students and youth organisations centred on climate justice.

Recognising that a just transition cannot occur without joint collaborative efforts across all sectors of the Kuwaiti society, one of the primary issues brought to the fore was the need to broaden cooperation and advance social protection, which can support a just transition in Kuwait. A secondary vital topic was the necessity to ensure the future generations of bright Kuwaiti youth with decent jobs in the light of the green economic transition.

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, H.E. Dr. Khaled Mahdi, stated that this event aims to discuss the importance of a just transition and addressing the economic and social impacts of climate change. He emphasized that the event will also focus on raising awareness among the public on this issue and highlighting the cooperation of relevant entities in Kuwait to achieve a just transition while considering human rights, social protection, and the requirements of future labor markets.

Dr. Mahdi affirmed that the world is witnessing serious and tangible efforts regarding the just transition process towards global energy supplies from clean, carbon-free sources, which is in the interest of combating climate change. He pointed out that Kuwait's public policies align with the global trend of using renewable energy through the establishment of various projects, including environmentally friendly fuels, the Zour refinery, the Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex, and others.

Dr. Mahdi mentioned that the state's efforts are planned to diversify energy sources by adopting renewable energy solutions, replacing fossil fuels with liquefied natural gas, and building and developing oil refining facilities to produce clean, environmentally friendly fuels to ensure the sustainability of energy supplies for future generations. Kuwait has also adopted a national strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

He explained that the just transition will be a global approach to addressing climate change, and the combined efforts in Kuwait are aimed at confronting this serious phenomenon, climate change. He added that Kuwait places great emphasis on diversifying energy sources by introducing renewable energy and replacing fossil fuels with liquefied natural gas to ensure the sustainability of energy supplies for future generations. He highlighted Kuwait's distinctive regional and international contributions to preserving the environment and natural resources worldwide.

Commenting on the event, the Head of the EU Delegation  and Ambassador-designate of the European Union to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Ms. Anne Koistinen said: “Today’s dialogue underscores not only the urgency but also the collaborative spirit needed to tackle the challenges of climate change and ensure a bright and fair future for the younger generations. Ahead of COP-28 in November, the European Union stands ready to join efforts with Kuwait, the ILO and other likeminded partners to advance the just transition. Our collective efforts today represent a step forward towards achieving a more sustainable future anchored in human rights and dignity."

ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States Mr. Peter Rademaker stressed the shared dedication of all parties involved in the event. “The ILO has joined hands with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and with the European Union to advance our joint commitment to greening the economy in a fair and inclusive way for all concerned,” Mr. Rademaker said. “Achieving a just transition that creates decent work opportunities and leaves no one behind requires coherent public policy, effective social dialogue among all impacted groups, and respect for fundamental labour principles and rights. Today’s event is testimony to our joint efforts to develop new and innovative ways of working that safeguard the environment for present and future generations, eradicate poverty and promote social justice in the region and beyond. This event allows us all to hone our commitments ahead of the upcoming COP-28.”

This alliance aligns with worldwide endeavours to mitigate climate change, particularly as we approach COP-28 in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.