Submission to the UAE Just Transition Work Programme
The UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) underscores the critical need for a transition that is not only inevitable but just. The JTWP acknowledges the multifaceted challenge of achieving justice in this transition, requiring a holistic approach that goes beyond the energy sector to address centuries of exploitation, extraction, and socio-environmental harm.
Central to this transformative journey is the role of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), which emerges as a fundamental pillar in driving forward a just transition. ACE, with its focus on education, training, public awareness, participation, and access to information, acts as a catalyst for empowering individuals and communities to partake actively in climate action. This blog explores the crucial linkages between ACE and the JTWP, emphasizing how these connections can foster a participatory, inclusive, and equitable approach to climate justice.
ACE as a Foundation for Just Transition
The JTWP, inspired by ACE's foundational principles, aims to catalyze a comprehensive shift from fossil fuel dependency towards renewable, safe, and clean energy sources. This shift is envisioned to align with the Paris Agreement's goals and a strong commitment to human rights. By avoiding ineffective solutions and emphasizing investments in renewable energies, the JTWP seeks to ensure that the transition away from fossil fuels is both equitable and sustainable. ACE's role in supporting this shift is pivotal, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for people to actively contribute to and benefit from the transition.
Integrating ACE in the JTWP's Themes of Focus for 2024
The ACE Observatory and its partners see the integration of ACE as critical to the success of the JTWP. Through education, awareness, and engagement, ACE can facilitate broad-based societal consensus, skill development, and international cooperation, all of which are essential for a just transition. The emphasis on avoiding the pitfalls of unsustainable extraction practices and ensuring equitable benefit sharing highlights the program's commitment to a rights-based approach, informed and supported by ACE's objectives.
A cornerstone for an effective JTWP is the focus on participatory and inclusive strategies, resonating with ACE's emphasis on public participation and social dialogue. The program calls for active engagement with diverse stakeholders, including indigenous groups, youth, and women, ensuring that all voices are heard in the transition planning and policymaking processes. This approach not only aligns with ACE's goals but also reinforces the importance of inclusive decision-making in achieving a just transition.
Topics for the Dialogues
Institutional and Legislative Arrangements for the Participatory Development of an Ecological Transition
The proposed session for the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) emphasizes the critical need for broad, inclusive, and ongoing participation from a diverse array of stakeholders in the transition planning and policymaking processes. It advocates for active government engagement in social dialogue with workers, employers, civil society, indigenous groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and other key stakeholders from the conceptualization stage through to implementation and review. This approach is aimed at ensuring that the transition strategies are participatory and inclusive, leaving no one behind. The session will explore coordination mechanisms, the creation of new institutional roles, equitable benefit sharing, and the involvement of non-state actors in developing just transition policies and strategies. It will also address how Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) can enhance skill development to support a transition that upholds human and labor rights. Additionally, the session proposes the establishment of a Joint Party-Observers Advisory Body to foster inclusion and diversity, suggesting a collaborative effort to integrate lessons learned and apply gender-sensitive and inclusionary practices for effective just transition strategies.
Fostering International Cooperation and Resource Mobilization for a Just and Ecological Transition
The session aims to forge a robust platform for dialogue among Parties, observers, and stakeholders to bolster international cooperation and resource mobilization for sustainable, just, and ecological transitions worldwide, recognizing these as critical prerequisites for climate action. It will delve into enhancing mechanisms for international collaboration, identifying financial strategies, technological innovations, and capacity-building measures that align with the overarching goals of sustainable development, climate justice, and ecological integrity. By showcasing successful examples of international collaboration and discussing equitable funding solutions such as green bonds and climate finance, the session intends to explore frameworks for the transfer of green technologies and skills development across borders. Emphasis will be placed on the pivotal role of civil society and indigenous communities in these processes. The session will feature a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, aiming for actionable recommendations and the identification of gaps in current frameworks that impede collaboration and resource allocation, potentially culminating in a proposal for a global partnership initiative to support just transitions aligned with the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
Synergizing ACE with Open Government for Effective Transition
The JTWP recognizes the synergy between ACE, open government, and just transition principles, proposing a convergence of these areas to build resilient and sustainable societies. By leveraging open government principles and the ACE toolbox, the program aims to enhance transparency, participation, and accountability, ensuring that the transition process is inclusive and equitable.