1 million green jobs for youth…
– Youngran Hur, Programme Management Officer, UNEP ROAP
The Green Jobs for Youth Pact, launched at COP27 in 2022, is a collaborative initiative led by the International Labour Organisation, the UN Environment Programme and UNICEF. This pact aims to facilitate a just and inclusive transition by engaging young individuals, government, social partners, employers, workers’ organisations, educational institutions and the private sector.
Deficit of youth in green jobs…
Through three key tracks called green E’s – employment and entrepreneurship, education and green skills and empowerment and youth engagement – the pact addresses the youth and green jobs deficit. It has ambitious goals to generate 1 million fresh green jobs for youth, prioritising opportunities for young women. Additionally, it aims to expedite the transformation of 1 million existing jobs towards sustainability. Furthermore, the initiative focusses on supporting 10,000 young entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding sustainable green enterprises, thereby fostering the creation of additional green jobs for fellow youth.
Supporting green start-ups
Under employment and entrepreneurship, we’re conducting the Low Carbon Earth Accelerator, supporting green startups across Asia-Pacific in sectors like microplastics, textiles, renewable energy, cooling and agriculture. Till now 17 startups have raised between USD 120 k to USD 26.1 million, with expectations for similar success in our current cohort of 67 founders, 23 of whom are female.
In our Sustainable Lifestyles Action Academy, we offer comprehensive modules focusing on sustainable living, action-oriented learning and effective social media promotion strategies. Through these modules, participants gain vital skills and knowledge to champion sustainable practices and advocate for environmental stewardship in their communities.
