On September 26, with the joint organization of the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (ATUC), the International Labor Organization (ILO-ACTRAV), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITC) and the Pan-European Regional Council (PARC) “Climate changes and just transition: trade unions’ role and activities” an international conference is held in Baku.
Before the conference, AHIK Chairman Sahib Mammadov and the participants of the event commemorated the memory of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor with deep respect and laid wreaths and flowers in front of his grave.
The memory of prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva was also commemorated, and flowers were laid on her grave.
Also, the conference representatives expressed their deep respect to the memory of the heroes of the Motherland who died for the independence and freedom of Azerbaijan in Martyrs’ Alley, wreaths were placed on their graves, and wreaths were placed in front of the “Eternal Torch” monument.
Then the conference started with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan at the” Fairmont Baku ” hotel. Representatives of the government of Azerbaijan, heads and employees of ATUC and member organizations, officials of ILO-ACTRAV, ITUC and PERC, as well as heads and representatives of Trade Unions of different countries of Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as climate policy experts of Azerbaijan, environmental activists, entrepreneurs, representatives of private sector and non-governmental organizations attended the event.
The conference aims to promote the role of trade unions in climate change and just transition processes, identify and implement priorities for COP29, exchange experiences of trade unions in different regions of the world, and expand cooperation between trade unions, governments and employers.
At the opening ceremony, the chairman of AHIK, Sahib Mammadov, informed about the purpose, importance and relevance of the conference. He said that this conference held on the eve of COP29 will be an important tribune between countries that have succeeded in combating climate change and those that have little experience in this field: “Presentations by experts and collective discussions will create clear ideas about the role and participation of trade unions in restoring what we have lost in the environment. We also hope to contribute to the achievement of the important goals stipulated in the Paris Agreement and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Climate changes negatively affect the lives of billions of people, and the existence of millions of living and plant species is threatened. Azerbaijan is among the leading countries in the fight against the consequences of global climate change. Clean environment and “green energy” are the main goals of our country. The work carried out confirms that under the leadership of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan will reach its goals in this field sooner than expected.”
According to him, it is very important for the trade unions to be active in relation to climate changes and “green economy”, to pay attention to the creation of “green jobs” and to share their ideas: “I think that in this direction, large-scale efforts are needed to improve the legislation and deliver information to the general public. Discussions should be held. I would like to inform you that currently work is being done on the development of trade unions’ private policies and action plans to organize social protection of workers in the process of transition to a low-carbon society.”
The chairman of the confederation, Sahib Mammadov, emphasized that a joint seminar on “Green jobs and fair transition” was held for the trade unions of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan under the joint organization of the ILO and AHIK. Analytical review “On the preparation of trade unions’ strategy for a fair transition to an ecologically sustainable economy through the creation of “green jobs” in Azerbaijan” was prepared.12 research studies were conducted on the topic “Global warming and just transition to adaptation. “Activity of Azerbaijan trade unions” within the joint project of ILO/ACTRAV. Also, this year, 4 seminars were organized together with the ILO.
In recent years, on the basis of the proposals of AHIK, the drafting of the Law “On the quality of drinking water and supply with drinking water” included in the General Collective Agreement, as well as the creation of departments on labor protection and ecology in technical educational institutions and the training of qualified graduates in the mentioned fields have been started. At the Academy of Labor and Social Relations of AHIK, the teaching of legislation on environmental protection and radiation safety was organized for labor technical inspectors, methodical materials and instructions were prepared for the subjects.
At the end of his speech, the chairman of AHIK noted that each of us must show determination and perseverance in order to achieve a cleaner, sustainable and fair transition for the future generations.
After that, the video address of the appointed president of COP29, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev was transmitted.
Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Alakbarov spoke about Azerbaijan’s obligations in the fight against climate change, the work done in this direction, the green energy policy of our country, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects related to the green economy in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Anar Aliyev, noted the effects of climate change on the world economy, talked about the transition to the “green economy” and the social risks that will arise in this aspect and the ways to solve it, as well as the importance of social partnership. He said that achieving decent work based on the development of social dialogue is one of the main conditions for the successful implementation of measures during the transition to the “green economy”, and this necessitates the application of new approaches in the development of the labor sphere and social protection.
Mammad Musayev, president of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the consequences of climate change, the protection of jobs in the process of transition to the “green economy”, and the support of the private sector. He said that access to innovation and technology, special financing mechanisms are essential to ensure competitiveness and a successful transition that creates a sustainable economy, and that there are many risks and mismanaged climate policies can have unintended consequences. He noted that businesses and governments should create jobs, reduce the effects of climate change, and implement projects and joint activities that ensure the stability of the economy.
The speeches of Eric Manzi, the Deputy Secretary General of the ILO, Mikhail Pushkin, the Director of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Office of the ILO, and Maria Helena Andrena, the Director of the Bureau of ILO Staff Activities, were heard. The guests spoke about the consequences of climate change in the world, the steps taken by international organizations in this direction, the duties of trade unions, and the importance of mutual dialogue and exchange of ideas regarding labor rights in this context.
After the opening ceremony, within the framework of the conference, panel discussions on topics related to just transition, climate change and workers’ rights began. Also at the conference, interactive sessions were organized in order to develop action plans and strategies to increase the participation of trade unions in climate negotiations, and meetings for cooperation between different parties were held.
It should be noted that the conference will continue with panel discussions on September 27.