In anticipation of the Bonn Climate Conference and the 60th Subsidiary Body meeting (SB60), YouthNet for Climate Justice, a grassroots-led youth platform, has issued a compelling plea for immediate global cooperation and tangible progress regarding the UAE's Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP).
From Bonn, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, on Sunday emphasized the urgent need to incorporate crucial elements such as phasing out fossil fuels, robust protections for human rights, and ensuring gender justice within the framework.
"We must prioritize a socially just transition. Concrete commitments, finance and a potential energy storage goal can drive us toward a sustainable future for all," he said.
The advocacy from YouthNet comes at a pivotal moment as global leaders convene in Bonn, Germany, to advance discussions on critical climate issues leading up to COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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The first dialogue under the United Arab Emirates Just Transition Work Programme on “Just transition pathways to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement through NDCs, NAPs, and LT-LEDs” commenced in Bonn, Germany from June 2 and will continue till June 3.
The JTWP, established during COP27 and officially adopted at COP28, aims to drive ambitious and equitable implementation of the Paris Agreement over the next three years. However, with only 44 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), excluding Bangladesh, explicitly mentioning just transition by November 2023, there is an urgent need to accelerate progress and integrate just transition principles into national policies and strategies.
Sohanur stated, "Transitioning to a green economy is not just desirable but necessary for all nations, and many have already embarked on this journey. This presents an unparalleled opportunity to move towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient future that benefits society equitably."
He added, "During the transition to renewable energy, it's crucial to take into account the development priorities of the countries involved, like Bangladesh, considering their unique circumstances, adaptation priorities including any loss and damage incurred."
"As deliberations commence in Bonn, attention is squarely focused on the JTWP's capacity to deliver transformative action in addressing the challenges posed by climate change."
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YouthNet remains unwavering in its dedication to advocating for a sustainable and equitable future, ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
The Y-Just project, led by YouthNet and supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, aims to forge a sustainable and equitable future in Bangladesh, with a focus on environmental sustainability, social justice, and youth participation in climate decision-making.
The support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung enables YouthNet to amplify youth voices for climate action, including at key events like COP28 and SB60. Last week, they organized an interactive Civil Society dialogue on just transition in Dhaka.