The Ministry of Planning and Development and the United Nations Development Programme through the European Union’s Global Climate Change Alliance Plus, GCCA+, continue to advance Trinidad and Tobago’s renewable energy and energy efficiency agenda, to increase resilience to climate change by introducing renewable energy as an energy source for electricity and energy generation.
On Thursday October 24, these agencies collaborated to facilitate a ‘Making the Just Transition a Just Transition Forum’ at the Cipriani College of Labour & Cooperative Studies. This Forum involved representatives from the Public Sector through Ministries’ Departments and Agencies, Labour Union representatives; Chambers of Commerce, the Energy Chamber, the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies and non-governmental organisations such as the Network of Rural Women Producers in T&T, the Trinidad Youth Council and more. Secondary school students were also part of the process.
Under the theme ‘Making the Energy Transition a Just Transition’, the Forum focused on Trinidad and Tobago’s ‘Just Transition’ process, which aims to minimize adverse effects in the transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that the benefits of a green transition are shared equally, fairly and successfully across all sectors of the population, including workers, individuals and businesses.
Minister Beckles highlighted the Government’s focus ensuring that the transition from oil and gas is not just efficient and sustainable, but also fair, leaving no one behind.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has engaged in the process of developing a Just Transition Policy to facilitate an effective and inclusive transition to a low carbon emissions economy by creating opportunities for the workforce. This process has included various activities: i) the Ministry of Planning commissioned the development of four issues papers1 to increase awareness and provide detailed information to stakeholders on the components of a comprehensive Just Transition Policy; ii) a consultation process2 geared to ensuring stakeholders are involved in the process from start to finish, and iii) proposing a draft Just Transition Policy.
The Just Transition Forum continues this work by further including stakeholders and citizens in the process, incorporating their ideas and perspectives to develop strategies that support workers in terms of training and reskilling in future opportunities. The Just Transition process also concentrates on ensuring students, new professionals and graduates are ready for opportunities of the future. Work is in progress to also develop certifications for technical professionals such as mechanics in electric motor vehicle maintenance and repair.
The opening session’s speeches from the Planning and Development Minister, Pennelope Beckles; EU Ambassador, Peter Cavendish and UNDP Country Representative, Mr. Ugo Blanco and the presentations are available for access and news broadcast/publication via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAtnYPk0y1E