Bringing together trade unionists and ADB representatives, the discussion provided a clear understanding of how a just transition can be incorporated in the bank’s agenda. The panelists discussed the implications of global transformations on protecting human and workers' rights. They also looked at strategies to strengthen collaboration between ADB and trade unions to address these challenges and implement the new safeguards policy.

The panelists discussed how workers’ rights can be safeguarded amid Asia’s accelerating climate and economic transformations. The session brought together trade unionists and ADB representatives to discuss how a just transition can be incorporated in the bank’s clean energy transition agenda.    

Linnea Wikström from the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) opened the discussion with a call to action: climate adaptation must center workers, who are not just victims of environmental change but agents of sustainable development. She cited labor issues in ADB-financed projects, including occupational safety and health violations, labor exploitation, and the suppression of organizing rights—problems now exacerbated by climate risks.  

ADB’s Senior Director for Energy Sector Priyantha Wijayatunga explained how just transition principles are being embedded into the ADB’s policies. Rekson Silaban of Indonesian trade union KSBSI emphasized the need for union involvement in shaping and monitoring climate finance frameworks. Francis Kim Upgi of the International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific outlined critical elements in ADB’s new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), and gaps that still exist in the policy and how this should be addressed in the guidance notes being prepared. 

Shagufta Riyaz of BWI South Asia shared challenges from a hydropower project in Pakistan, highlighting the need for effective grievance mechanisms. Matt Murphy of the Electrical Trades Union - Australia shared lessons on ensuring green energy investments benefit workers, drawing from Australia’s experience. Bruce Dunn, Director of Policy and Technical Services at ADB’s Office of Safeguards discussed the enforcement of new safeguard policies and the bank’s efforts to enhance engagement with labor stakeholders.

Throughout the panel, speakers stressed that labor protections must be enforceable and proactive, with formal union engagement, strong OSH standards, labor audits, and inclusive training programs. The 2023 BWI–ADB Memorandum of Understanding and ADB’s 2024 safeguard reforms were highlighted as important progress. The session closed with a united message: a just transition must be built with workers, not merely for them, ensuring development is both sustainable and equitable.

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