Launch of the Rapid Situational Analysis on Just Transition Opportunities and Challenges, Zanzibar

Distinguished Participants and Guests,

I am privileged to join you today, on behalf of the United Nations, to speak about the inherent connection between the nature and work, and the importance of “Just Transition” to a carbon- and resource-efficient economy.

Our lives depend on the natural environment. Our jobs and businesses depend on a healthy planet. And our future depends on a just transition to environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, climate change and environmental degradation are already disrupting millions of jobs and livelihoods. However, countless opportunities lie ahead to boost the economy and improve the quality of working lives.

The implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change could create a net gain of 18 million jobs by 2030, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO) studies. Under the current United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Tanzania, one of our four priority outcome areas to achieve national development in Tanzania is “PLANET”. The work under this priority will focus on supporting a greener, more sustainable development path, which will enable a just transition to environmental sustainability.

So, what exactly is “Just Transition”? Tackling the climate crisis will involve transforming our economies and societies. Ensuring that this transformation is good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for people is “Just Transition.” It means maximizing the benefits of climate action while minimizing hardship for workers and their communities.

ILO developed a methodology - Rapid Situational Analysis (RSA) - to identify areas for just transition policies at the national level. The analysis follows two subsequent steps. First, it examines the link between the economy, employment, and the environment. Second, it investigates the national policy framework in the context of dimensions for decent work and identifies key just transition policies. The objective is to identify win-win policies for the environment and for the employment, which maximize job creation, minimize negative effects, and protect the vulnerable.

As an island, Zanzibar is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, elevated temperatures, increased droughts, and irregular rainfall. At the same time, Zanzibar’s economy is largely informal, making strategies to promote Just Transition even more urgent. In response, the ILO conducted a rapid situational analysis to identify high-potential entry points for just transition policies and interventions, in line with specific country-level needs, priorities and policy processes. The RSA will help the ILO to better support constituents in Zanzibar in formulating and implementing green jobs and Just Transition policies and programs.

A Just Transition is possible and can be a driver for economic growth and social progress. Time is already running out for millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Therefore, it is paramount that we promote Just Transition towards environmentally sustainable economies. I am excited to learn which sectors and subsectors have been identified to offer the strongest entry points for the promotion of a Just Transition in Zanzibar.

I urge you all to join us, the UN family, in taking action to make work greener and build a better and more sustainable future for all.

Thank you!