WGEO Program at COP29

WGEO Special

Background

As global efforts intensify to shift towards a sustainable and resilient economy, the role of youth becomes increasingly crucial. Today’s young people stand at the forefront of the green transition, a movement that presents both immense challenges and opportunities. It is essential that youth are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving job market dominated by green technologies and sustainable practices. The transition demands a new set of competencies, from technical know-how in renewable energy solutions to innovative problem-solving skills in resource management.

This panel is an effort to dissect the current landscape of youth education and training in relation to the green economy, highlighting recent developments and the increasing need for robust educational and experience sharing frameworks that can deliver these vital skills

In Focus

The panel will delve into the critical areas of skill development and the active engagement of youth in the green economy. Panel discussions will explore effective strategies for integrating essential green skills into educational curricula and professional training programs.

The dialogue will also cover how these educational efforts and other experience sharing and learning initiatives align with current and emerging job market demands and the types of policies needed to support this alignment.

Furthermore, the panel will discuss the potential for youth entrepreneurship within the green economy, examining how innovative business ideas can be nurtured and supported through both public and private sectors.

Questions for Discussion

1. What are the essential skills needed for young people to be effective contributors to the green economy?

• How do these skills vary across different sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology?
• What are the gaps in current educational and training programs in providing these skills?
• How can educational institutions adapt to better prepare students for green jobs?

2. How can policy makers support the development of green skills among the youth?

• What types of policies are needed to encourage the integration of green skills into school and university curricula?
• How can governments facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector to enhance skill training?
• What incentives can be provided to businesses to invest in training young people for green jobs?

What opportunities exist for youth entrepreneurship in the green economy, and how can these be amplified?

• What are the most promising sectors within the green economy for young entrepreneurs?
• What challenges do young green entrepreneurs face, and how can these be overcome?
• How can governments, NGOs, and the private sector provide support to young entrepreneurs aiming to develop green solutions?

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness among stakeholders of the critical importance of equipping youth with green skills for future employment and environmental stewardship.
• Identification of key policy interventions needed to support the development of these skills and foster youth engagement in the green economy.
• Strengthened partnerships between government bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector to collectively support youth in acquiring the necessary skills for the green transition.
• Inspiration for youth to pursue careers and entrepreneurial opportunities within the green economy, armed with knowledge and support from various sectors.

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background
The accelerating climate crisis necessitates urgent and transformative actions across all sectors to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The GHG Protocol, a globally recognized framework for measuring and managing emissions, is essential to this effort. By implementing the GHG Protocol, industries, businesses, and governments can accurately track their emissions, set effective reduction targets, and ensure compliance with global climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement.

Industries play a critical role in the global response to climate change. As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses, rapid decarbonization is required across all sectors of the economy to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The GHG Protocol enables industries to systematically identify emission sources, adopt energyefficient technologies, and reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining competitiveness and improving operational efficiency.

Strategically, adopting the GHG Protocol aligns businesses with the global push towards sustainability. Politically, it positions industry leaders as active participants in policy development and regulatory compliance. Financially, it opens doors to new markets, attracts environmentally conscious investors, and secures long-term economic benefits through resource efficiency and risk mitigation.

In Focus

To effectively reduce GHG emissions, businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to implementing the GHG Protocol that considers the entire value chain. This requires:

1. Strategic Integration:

• Emission Tracking and Reduction: The GHG Protocol helps businesses identify key
  sources of emissions—across Scopes 1, 2, and 3—and implement strategies for reduction.
• Innovation and Technology: Investing in cleaner technologies and fostering
  innovation in energy efficiency and waste management are key. Industries must also explore renewable energy sources, electrification, and other decarbonization technologies.
• Climate Risk Management: Integrating climate risk assessments into business
  strategies will safeguard operations from the financial and reputational risks associated with climate change, while also ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards.

2. Political Engagement:

• Policy Influence: By adopting GHG Protocol guidelines, industries can actively engage with policymakers and advocate for supportive regulatory frameworks, such as carbon pricing mechanisms or emission trading systems.
• Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Industries that implement the GHG Protocol demonstrate leadership in sustainability, fostering partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. This collaboration can drive broader systemic changes across sectors.

3. Financial Opportunities:

• Access to Green Finance: Implementing the GHG Protocol can enhance access to green financing opportunities, including sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and impact investing. Financial institutions increasingly favor companies with transparent and credible emissions reduction plans.
• Cost Savings: Reducing emissions often goes hand-in-hand with improving energy efficiency and minimizing waste, which can lead to significant cost savings.
• Investor Confidence: Transparent reporting on GHG emissions through the protocol strengthens investor confidence, attracts long-term capital, and reduces exposure to financial risks associated with future regulatory changes or carbon taxes.

By fostering innovation, adopting sustainable practices, and embedding the GHG Protocol into their operations, industries can build new business opportunities, enhance their environmental performance, and improve their reputation among stakeholders. Furthermore, they contribute to a more resilient and equitable global economy for future generations.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. How can industry leaders foster systemic changes to achieve sustainability goals more rapidly?

• What strategies can industries employ to influence policy and regulatory frameworks that support GHG emission reductions?
• How can industry leaders collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to drive the implementation of the GHG Protocol?
• What are the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon economy through the GHG Protocol?

2. What innovative practices can industries adopt to significantly reduce their carbon footprint?

• How can industries optimize their energy use and adopt the GHG Protocol to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
• What role can emerging technologies, such as AI and digital platforms, play in decarbonizing industrial processes and enhancing GHG reporting?
• How can industries integrate climate risk management into their long-term business strategies using the GHG Protocol?

3. How can industries be incentivized to integrate GHG Protocol principles into their core strategies?

• What financial incentives and market mechanisms, such as carbon credits or subsidies, can be used to promote the GHG Protocol implementation?
• How can industries enhance their reputation and brand value by demonstrating leadership in emissions reduction and sustainability practices?
• What are the long-term economic benefits of adopting the GHG Protocol, and how can businesses leverage this for competitive advantage?

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

The transition to a green economy requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving sustainable innovation and implementing climate-friendly solutions. Investing in human capital development is essential for building the capacity needed to achieve a just and equitable transition. Recent reports by the International Labour Organization (ILO)[1] highlight the importance of skills development for a sustainable future.

In Focus

Developing a workforce that is equipped to support a green economy requires a comprehensive approach that addresses education, training, and skills development. Key strategies include:

• Investing in education: Ensuring that education systems are aligned with the needs of a green economy, promoting STEM education, and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Providing vocational training: Offering vocational training programs that equip individuals with the skills needed for green jobs.
• Facilitating lifelong learning: Supporting continuous learning and upskilling to ensure that workers have the necessary skills throughout their careers.
• Promoting social justice: Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to education and training opportunities.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What skills and knowledge are essential for supporting a workforce in a green economy?

• What are the key competencies needed for green jobs in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation?
• How can educational institutions and training providers ensure that their programs align with the evolving needs of the green economy?
• What are the soft skills that are essential for effective climate action and sustainable development?

How can educational and training programs be adapted to meet the demands of a green economy?

• How can education systems be reformed to promote sustainability and environmental awareness?
• What role can vocational training programs play in equipping individuals with the skills needed for green jobs?
• How can lifelong learning opportunities be provided to support workers in transitioning to green careers?

What role do public and private sectors play in fostering human capital development for sustainability?

• How can governments invest in education and training to support a green economy?
• What are the opportunities for businesses to collaborate with educational institutions and training providers?
• What are the challenges and benefits of public-private partnerships in human capital development?

WGEO Special

Background

Sustainable reporting is essential for businesses to communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to stakeholders. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides a globally recognized framework for sustainability reporting, enabling companies to disclose their impacts and progress towards sustainability goals.

Recent studies have demonstrated the increasing importance of sustainability reporting for investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. By adopting GRI standards, companies can enhance their reputation, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In Focus

GRI standards offer a comprehensive framework for sustainability reporting, covering a wide range of topics such as environmental performance, social impacts, and governance practices. By adopting these standards, companies can:

• Improve transparency and accountability: Disclose their ESG performance in a consistent and comparable manner.
• Enhance stakeholder engagement: Foster dialogue with stakeholders and build trust.
• Identify risks and opportunities: Assess and manage environmental and social risks and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Drive sustainable innovation: Promote innovation and continuous improvement in sustainability practices.

Questions for Panel Discussion

How can GRI standards facilitate more transparent and accountable sustainability reporting?

• What specific benefits do GRI standards offer in terms of data quality, consistency, and comparability?
• How can GRI standards be used to enhance stakeholder engagement and accountability?
• What are the challenges in implementing GRI standards, and how can these be addressed?

What are the benefits of adopting GRI standards for companies transitioning to green practices?

• How can GRI standards help companies identify and prioritize sustainability initiatives?
• What are the potential financial benefits of adopting GRI standards, such as improved access to capital and enhanced reputation?
• How can GRI standards support companies in setting and achieving ambitious sustainability goals?

How can stakeholders be engaged effectively through sustainability reporting?

• What are the best practices for communicating sustainability information to stakeholders?
• How can stakeholders be involved in setting sustainability goals and priorities?
• What are the potential risks and benefits of stakeholder engagement in sustainability reporting?