While transition is imperative, it is important to define where the world wants to transition to, and the means to get there. A just transition would be one that measurably enhances all human rights, creates decent work opportunities, reduces inequalities and poverty. The necessary efforts to combat the multiple environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution provide a unique opportunity to realign development pathways in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The shift to sustainable production can have unintended impacts particularly on workers, including in the informal sector, communities, Indigenous Peoples, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME). It is essential for the just transition to put people at the centre, ensuring that all workers and communities affected by hazardous exposures and environmental harm are protected.
Plastic pollution sits at the intersection of multiple environmental crises. No one sector can address it alone. This event will bring together speakers representing a diverse group of stakeholders who will highlight collaborative efforts involving government, employers, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society to prioritize workers’ rights, community well-being, and environmental protection.
Further information as well as a summary of the side event will be posted on the INC-4 website here.
| 13.30-13.35 – Welcome | Dr. Halshka Graczyk, International Labor Organization (ILO) |
| 13.35-13.40 – Opening remarks | Dr. Mihir Kanade, Member of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development |
| 13.40-13.55 – Panel discussion 1 | Mr. Adalberto Maluf, National Secretary of Urban Environment and Environmental Quality, Brazil, Ministry of Environment, Brazil Ms. Anne Simpson, Inuit Circumpolar Council Dr. Adetoun Mustapha, International Science Council Dr. Daniel Ramos, World Trade Organization |
| 13.55-14.05 – Panel discussion 2 | Ms. Taylor Cass Talbott, Trash for Peace, on behalf of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers Ms. Paula Pariz, Fundación AVINA Mr. Aminur Rashid-Repon Chowdhury, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) |
| 14.05-14.20 – Panel discussion 3 | Mr. Carsten Wachholz, Business Coalition Dr. Evar Umeozor, PhD, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) Ms. Daniela Stange, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Mr. Robert Marinkovic, International Organisation of Employers (IOE) |
| 14.20-14.40 – Questions & Answers | |
| 14.40-14.45 – Closing |
Photo by Ananya Bilimale on Unsplash
