The subject of solidarity and just transition is surfacing more and more often in the wake of changes taking place across the world, connected with the global energy transition that awaits us in the coming years. “Starting with COP24, where we presented the Just Transition Declaration, the subject of human-centric transition has been gaining popularity among the international community”, said Vice-Minister of Environment and President of COP24 Michał Kurtyka during the opening panel.

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, also shared his thoughts. “Curbing the effects of climate change is inextricably linked with the need to take action affecting countries and societies”, said the President in his speech. “The way in which energy is produced must change, but the transition will also entail the structure of industry and employment. In order to make sure that these changes are lasting and effective, we need to gain public support for them. This is where the idea of a Just Transition comes into play.

The debate during the conference focused on three leading themes – labour market transition, sustainable production and consumption, as well as inclusive transition. It will become a cornerstone for the development of a package of strategies to implement the idea of just transition as a protective shield for societies undergoing economic transitions towards more sustainable economies.

Just transition is becoming a hotly debated topic. We should all note that the lack of adaptation of changes resulting from the climate policy to the capabilities and expectations of the society was the main cause of the Yellow Vests protests in France and the recent protests by IG Metall trade unionists in Berlin. The conference, organised by the Polish Presidency of the COP24 enabled international dialogue and promoting this idea as universal for all regions of the world, regardless of social and economic contexts.