Asia-Pacific Trade Unions Unite for Just Transition to Green, Decent Jobs

Trade unions across Asia and the Pacific have joined forces to strengthen their role in shaping climate policies that are fair, inclusive, and centered on the rights and needs of workers. From 9 to 11 July 2025, over 20 trade union delegates gathered in a pivotal Regional Conference on Just Transition in Beijing, China, organized by the International Labour Organization’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) with the support of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU).

The conference offered an essential platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strategy development, aiming to equip union representatives with the tools and insights needed to actively contribute to the climate agenda—particularly in the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

A Critical Juncture for Asia-Pacific Workers

With escalating climate risks, digital transformation, and structural economic shifts, the Asia-Pacific region faces unique vulnerabilities. Many sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, are being impacted by extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.

“Political recognition is not enough. We must now demand implementation of climate policies at the national level,” emphasized Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP). “Labour priorities and skills development strategies must be aligned with climate objectives … this is not just about mitigation. It is about adaptation, resilience and survival.”

The conference served as a wake-up call: for climate action to be truly effective, it must also be socially just—protecting workers’ rights, promoting decent work, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Building Union Capacity for Climate Engagement

Delegates participated in sessions aimed at enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to:

• Climate policy dialogue at the national and regional level

• Implementation of NDCs with clear labor components

• Tripartite cooperation with governments and employers

• Engagement with climate actors and civil society

Training included deep dives into skills development for green jobs, workforce resilience, and mechanisms for inclusive social dialogue.

Peer-to-peer learning featured prominently, with delegates sharing country-specific experiences in integrating just transition goals into trade union action plans. Examples included successful campaigns for renewable energy transitions, upskilling programs for displaced workers, and bargaining for green clauses in collective agreements.

Inclusive Strategies: No Worker Left Behind

A major emphasis of the conference was the inclusion of women, youth, and informal economy workers—groups disproportionately affected by both climate change and labor market disruptions. Strategies were shared for organizing marginalized workers, integrating gender-responsive policies, and ensuring that youth voices are represented in union-led climate action.

“This conference is a valuable opportunity to bring our diverse experiences together,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. “The presence of trade union participants from across the region reflects the international solidarity essential to make the just transition a reality.”

The event fostered unity across national borders, promoting a collective labor voice for climate justice in the region.

ILO Guidelines as a Compass

The ILO’s 2015 Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All served as a central reference throughout the conference. The guidelines outline principles for integrating social justice into environmental policies, emphasizing decent work, equity, and democratic participation.

Participants committed to using the guidelines to frame their national action plans and push for stronger policy alignment with just transition principles. Key components include:

• Ensuring social protection for workers in at-risk sectors

• Promoting social dialogue and tripartite cooperation

• Integrating skills training and lifelong learning into climate plans

• Protecting occupational safety and health in emerging green sectors

Strengthening Regional Solidarity and Cooperation

The conference concluded with a strong call for enhanced regional cooperation, alliance-building among unions, and stronger engagement with international bodies. Trade unions in the Asia-Pacific region committed to continued collaboration with ACTRAV, ACFTU, ITUC-AP, and national governments to implement and monitor climate action that respects labor rights and promotes equitable development.

By amplifying the voice of workers in the climate debate, trade unions are positioning themselves not just as beneficiaries of the green transition, but as co-creators of a sustainable future.