Conference held on the topic of “Activities of trade unions on climate change”

A conference on the topic of “Activities of trade unions on climate change” has been held in Baku, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC), the National Trade Union Center of Turkmenistan, and the Bureau for Workers’ Activities of the International Labour Organization (ILO-ACTRAV).

Information about this was provided to “Elchi” by the ATUC.

It was noted that the event was attended by government officials, members of the Milli Majlis, representatives of non-governmental and public organizations, as well as representatives of the trade unions of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the ILO, and the Labour Centre of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The conference began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the dear memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland was commemorated with a minute of silence.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Babayev, the representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues, noted the importance of the conference, spoke about global climate change and its consequences, Azerbaijan’s climate change policy, and discussed the measures implemented in the direction of the “green transition” and environmental protection. It was stated that work is being carried out in our country to improve the environment, increase green spaces, and ensure the efficient use of water resources and sustainable energy sources. Forming new skills for workers and increasing employment opportunities in the “green transition” process is of particular importance. The active participation of trade unions in this process is essential for ensuring inclusive, fair, and transparent approaches.

In his speech, Confederation Chairman Sahib Mammadov stated that Azerbaijan is among the countries contributing to global climate action and that purposeful and systematic measures are being implemented in this field under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. It was brought to attention that climate change is also a global challenge affecting social and labor relations. In this regard, changes in the labor market require more flexible and coordinated action from trade unions. Stating that ensuring the principles of a “just transition,” protecting the interests of workers, and strengthening social dialogue are key priorities, the Confederation Chairman emphasized that the ATUC continues its cooperation with international partners in this direction and supports the state’s social policy.

Chairwoman of the National Trade Union Center of Turkmenistan, Oguljannet Berdiliyeva, said that in the context of global climate change, such international platforms are of great importance for exchanging experience and forming joint approaches. According to her, under current conditions, trade unions must adapt more promptly to changes in the labor market and increase their response to issues related to strengthening the social protection of workers.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Zaur Aliyev stated that the social consequences of climate change are prioritized in state policy, and that strengthening the resilience of the labor market and preparing the workforce in a way that accounts for modern challenges and future trends are among the main priorities. He noted the importance of cooperation in this direction.

Chairman of the Labor and Social Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis, Musa Guliyev, noted the importance of the social consequences of climate change from a legislative perspective. It was highlighted that the transition to a “green economy” plays a significant role in strengthening social partnership mechanisms and supporting these processes in a legal framework.

Director General of the OIC Labour Centre, Azer Bayramov, said that climate challenges require new approaches in the global labor market and that expanding joint initiatives in the fields of labor and social protection within the OIC framework is of significant character.

Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Huseyn Huseynov, noted that against the backdrop of global economic development, Azerbaijan’s economic policy is competitive and innovation-oriented. He also said that expanding green economic approaches creates conditions for both improving the investment environment and transitioning the economy to a more sustainable structure.

Sergius Glovackas, Head of the ILO-ACTRAV for Europe and Central Asia, who joined the conference online and emphasized that the event was dedicated to a topical issue, stated that the ILO, taking into account the social and employment-related impacts of climate change, promotes a “just transition” approach and supports the active participation of trade unions in the climate agenda.

At the event, ILO Senior Specialist Gocha Aleksandria delivered a presentation on the topic “The role of trade unions in a just transition.”

Afterward, panel discussions were held on the topic “Climate change and the world of work.”

Within the framework of the event, a video reflecting the reforms implemented in the trade union system in recent years and the innovative novelties applied by the ATUC was demonstrated.