The Just Transition Commission and Australia’s Net Zero Economy Authority have announced the formation of the International Just Transition Network (IJTN) at a workshop of the UNFCCC in Sydney, Australia.
The IJTN will support us in building links with international organisations with first-hand experience managing transitions in major industrial and energy-producing regions. The JTC’s renewed remit requires that we: “help to foster collaboration and exchange with peer bodies in the UK and internationally, including through the work of the International Just Transition Network, and by sharing key learnings bilaterally and within the UNFCCC framework.”
Established as a voluntary, member-led network, the IJTN brings together an initial membership of 9 national and sub-national organisations. These organisations advise on, scrutinise or implement policies consistent with a just transition away from fossil fuels. A key priority for the network in its early phase will be outreach to other prospective members around the world to broaden the range of experiences and perspectives represented.
Activities focus on sharing direct on-the-ground experience. This helps members from around the world learn from each other via practical and technical exchange and peer-to-peer support.
JTC Co-Chairs Satwat Rehman and Dave Reay said,
“We hope this timely new initiative will model international collaboration on addressing mission-critical social and economic blockers to emissions reduction and climate resilience. The network is already strengthening our understanding of how to tackle key challenges in Scotland. It will provide practical support for other jurisdictions to put robust governance mechanisms in place to apply just transition principles in local contexts.”
David Shankey, Chief Executive Officer, Net Zero Economy Authority said:
“There are communities that have already experienced things Australian communities are only beginning to encounter. If we can take what has been learned in one community and put it to work in another, then this network will have done something genuinely useful.”
Kao Shien-Quey, Convener, Taiwan Net-Zero Just Transition Committee, Deputy Minister, National Development Council:
‘The Taiwan Net-Zero Just Transition Committee is pleased to join the launch of the International Just Transition Network and its core values. We remain committed to translating shared knowledge, evidence-based research, and lived experiences into practical progress while upholding the principle of leaving no one behind. Looking ahead, we welcome the opportunity to join hands with global partners to gradually build inclusive, equitable, and regionally balanced pathways for all.’
Lionel Railton, Co-chair of Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council:
‘International cooperation and social dialogue are essential to ensuring that the transition to a net-zero economy creates sustainable jobs and meaningful opportunities for workers, communities and regions in Canada and across the world. Through the International Just Transition Network, we can share practical experience, strengthen the evidence and advice that informs our work at the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, and learn from partners worldwide as we seek to ensure that workers and communities are well positioned to benefit from the opportunities of economic transition.’
Ali Sheridan, Chair, Just Transition Commission of Ireland:
‘We warmly welcome the launch of the International Just Transition Network and are encouraged to see the growing number of countries embracing a just transition approach as they respond to the challenges and opportunities of the transition. As a relatively new commission, we know Ireland has much to learn, but also valuable experience to share, and we look forward to working with partners across the network to strengthen how we deliver a fair and inclusive transition in practice.’