The Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) was established at COP27 in 2022 to facilitate global discussions on fair and inclusive transitions to a low-carbon economy, particularly for workers and communities impacted by climate change and related policies. However, the challenges of implementing the programme were made clear at COP29, where Climate Strategies’ Programme Officer, Ana Paola Gonzalez, offered the following insights on negotiations: 

“The COP29 JTWP negotiations were a sobering reminder of the politicised nature of Just Transitions (JTs), the malleable use (and misuse) of the concept, and the challenges inherent in forging global consensus on climate action.  

Deep divides between developed and developing countries left the Work Programme without an agreed outcome, highlighting a missed opportunity to make the JTWP actionable to advance critical elements of Just Transitions. During the first week, developed countries narrowly focused on Energy Just Transitions, workers’ protections, as well as on making sure JTs are integrated into NDCs and aligned with the 1.5C target. Meanwhile, developing countries advocated for a broader multi-sector scope of JTs, a more inclusive approach to account for adaptation, the role of means of implementation as enablers and the international scope of JTs.  

After a compromise text was discarded in week one, a very similar text was put forward by the presidency in week two with minor adjustments thus failing to meet key demands from developing countries. Procedural shortcomings and limited discussion time exacerbated frustrations, further entrenching divisions. By deferring the decision to CMA7 in Bonn next year, COP29 failed to provide clarity on momentum, underscoring the urgent need for greater inclusivity and trust-building in future negotiations if the JTWP is to become a meaningful tool for equitable climate action.” 

As we look forward to negotiations in Bonn, advancing research on Just Transitions in the Global South is crucial for ensuring that all country’s perspectives are integrated into the JTWP. Climate Strategies has already contributed to several UNFCCC submissions on JT pathways and has coordinated extensive in-country research, including recent reports on Just Transitions in Ghana and Colombia. For information on our latest work on JTs, visit our South to South project page.