The Just Transition Platform (JTP) was officially launched in Nairobi on Wednesday, focusing on principles that emphasize guiding equitable climate action in five key sectors: the world of work, energy transition, agriculture and land use, trade, investment, and finance.
The event brought together regional and global climate experts, trade union leaders, researchers and policymakers to introduce a bold Africa-led framework for a fair and inclusive energy transition.
Held under the theme “A Dialogue on Advancing Just Transition in Africa: Climate Change and the World of Work,” the forum served as both a high-level policy dialogue and a formal unveiling of the Principles for a Just and Equitable Transition, which have been in development since 2022 through multistakeholder consultations across the continent.
Ms. Linet Luvai, Deputy Representative from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized the need to embed Just Transition principles within Africa’s broader climate and development strategies.
“The Platform was established to provide a space for knowledge sharing, collaboration and advocacy on climate policies that prioritize social justice, energy sovereignty and decent work,” said Luvai.
Key speakers included Dr. Pamela Levira (African Union), Ujunwa Ojemeni (E3G UK), Dr. Tedd Moya (University of Oxford), Kingsley Ofei-Nkasah (GD Resource Center Ghana) and Anne Songole (CLASP).
The event highlighted that Just Transition is not an add on to climate policy but a fundamental element that should guide how policies are created and implemented.
Speakers stressed the importance of integrating decent work mandates and eliminating structural inequalities that hinder Africa’s ability to meet its climate goals equitably.
Dr. Levira noted that: “climate justice must be a starting point, not an afterthought. These principles are about safeguarding the rights of workers, protecting the vulnerable and building resilient economies in the face of climate change.”
Panel sessions throughout the day explored practical ways of implementing the Just Transition agenda. A morning panel focused on green jobs for decent work, featuring insights from George Mwaniki (World Resources Institute), Rukiya Khamis (350.org) and Dean Bhebe Bhekumuzi (Powershift Africa) among others.
A trade unions roundtable in the afternoon brought together leaders from Kenya, Ghana and Uganda, including Dan Mihadi of the Transport Workers Union of Kenya and John Mark Mwanika of the Amalgamated Transport Workers Union. They discussed how labor movements can drive policy advocacy and protect workers as the green transition unfolds.
Later in the day, a session titled “The Future of the World of Work in Africa” explored how green industrial development can create inclusive and sustainable livelihoods. Speakers from the International Labour Organization (ILO), University of Reading, and UNICEF emphasized that technological innovation and climate action must go hand-in-hand with investments in people.
The launch concluded with a call to action for African governments, civil society and the media to adopt and amplify the principles across policy frameworks. Dr. Tedd Moya urged journalists to shape a narrative of hope, one that celebrates African-led solutions in climate and development.
The launch also urged the inclusion of minority groups, the creation of employment opportunities, the preservation of local cultures, and the promotion of new technologies for agricultural productivity.
The Just Transition Platform now hopes to see the principles reflected in countries’ future climate commitments, including the third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
By Gabriel Mwangi and George Gerish
