Thank you Co-Chair, I speak on behalf of the Local Government and Municipal Authorities constituency.
As emphasised in the previous engagements with the Just Transition Work Programme, subnational governments are all crucial for achieving just transitions. Their powers over key local sectors and their deep understanding of local dynamics and vulnerabilities allows them to implement place-based solutions that underpin national and global just transition efforts.
Examples of subnational just transitions include tackling energy poverty, supporting skills opportunities for marginalised residents, and engaging directly with communities, formal and informal workers.
As highlighted by many Parties last year, in this year’s submissions and interventions yesterday, a multilevel or whole-of-government approach to just transition is key to ensuring that benefits of the transition are felt equitably on the ground and that the risks are mitigated.
With the right support and recognition, subnational governments can be crucial partners to their national counterparts in delivering a whole-of-society just transition and in translating national commitments into tangible outcomes for communities and workers.
The Just Transition Mechanism can be the first global instrument that recognises a whole-of-government approach and that engages subnational governments.
In line with yesterday’s interventions by Ghana on behalf of AGN and Chile on behalf of AILAC, the Mechanism could catalyse technical assistance or capacity building to enable just transitions at the subnational level and engage with local governments as highlighted by Switzerland on behalf of EIG.
Finally, as highlighted by many Parties and constituencies today, the Mechanism can also be the first global instrument that demonstrates how to deliver a whole-of society-approach by ensuring meaningful participation of key constituencies and groups who implement and who are affected by the transition including subnational governments, formal and informal workers, civil society and businesses ensuring their views and experiences are reflected in national just transition pathways and that they shape the Mechanism’s work, leading to more impactful outcomes on the ground.
Thank you.
