Held via Zoom.

The Paris Agreement on climate change commits Parties to “taking into account the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities.”

Just Transition recognizes the impact of a transition towards net-zero emissions on people and provides a bridge to a future where all jobs are green and decent, poverty is eradicated, and communities are thriving and resilient. This session informed on broad issues of Just Transition; potential opportunities for ADB; joint MDB efforts on the development of a common framework for Just Transition interventions; and the work agenda for Just Transition within the European Bank for Reconstruction (EBRD) and Development and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).

At the start of the session, Janet Arlene Amponin of ADB gave a brief overview of Just Transition and its relevance for ADB. This was followed by discussions on two ADB projects with Just Transition elements. Hinako Maruyama presented the Chongqing Innovation and Human Capital Development Project. Sanath Ranawana then shared the Climate Resilient Livelihood Improvement and Watershed Management in Chittagong Hills Tracts Sector Project in Bangladesh. During a second panel discussion, Russell Bishop and Sean Bradley of EBRD discussed the Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, which will accelerate the transition to a green, low-carbon, and resilient economy, and the development of EBRD’s Just Transition Initiative. Mike Ward of CIF presented on the Just Transition framework being developed by CIF and Just Transition case studies in India and South Africa.

During breakout groups, participants were asked to brainstorm how Just Transition applies to their work and identify key opportunities for ADB.

Preety Bhandari, Chief of the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Thematic Group of ADB, shared her final remarks to conclude the session, highlighting the importance of continuous narrative on Just Transition operationalization, diagnostic pathways, and an integrated approach to move forward. This session was moderated by Kate Hughes of ADB. Event Summary