The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015, emphasizes the need for climate action that limits global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C. To achieve this ambitious goal, countries submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are their individual climate commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience. NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement (Article 4, paragraph 2) requires each Party to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions.
The First Global Stocktake (GST1) (paragraph 28) calls for global efforts including tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, phasing down unabated coal power, transitioning to net-zero emission energy systems by mid-century, and transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner. The decision emphasizes accelerating zero and low-emission technologies (including renewables, nuclear, carbon capture, and low-carbon hydrogen), substantially reducing methane emissions by 2030, decarbonizing transport through zero-emission vehicles, and eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Importantly, Decision 3/CMA.5 (United Arab Emirates Just Transition Work Programme) paragraph 2(b) reinforces that just and equitable transition must encompass comprehensive pathways across energy, socioeconomic, and workforce dimensions, based on nationally defined development priorities and including social protection measures to mitigate potential impacts associated with the transition.
The Third Dialogue Under the United Arab Emirates Just Transition Work Programme, which took place in Panama City from 22 to 23 May 2025 reinforces the need for regional discussions on experiences, policies, and approaches in relation to people-centric and equitable just transition pathways, with a focus on the whole-of-society approach and the workforce.
The idea of just transition for NDCs 3.0 aims to ensure that climate action—such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement—takes place in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and fair and advance decent work opportunities. This is particularly critical for regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where economic structures heavily rely on sectors like agriculture, energy, and natural resources that are often carbon intensive. The region is characterized by high levels of poverty and inequality which means that the most vulnerable populations—often rural, indigenous, and marginalized groups—suffer disproportionately from climate impacts.
Against this backdrop, the UN Climate Change Regional Collaboration Centres (RCC WACA & RCC EASA) in collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO), ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Central Africa (CEREEAC), UNDP, UNEP and the NDC Partnership, is hosting a webinar to explore the potential pathways for just energy transition and financing mechanisms in the context of the NDCs 3.0 for countries in sub-Saharan Africa - providing insights, strategies, and best practices that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement while ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
