The Islamic Development Bank and the ILO invite youth-led organizations, networks and coalitions to propose innovative ideas to support a just transition

To assist young people in further translating their activism, commitment and creativity into action, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have designed the “IsDB-ILO Green Skills Accelerator Challenge Call”, with the overarching goal of promoting youth participation and skills for green jobs for a just transition.

Press release | 25 May 2022
Climate change and environmental degradation are among the greatest challenges of our times and ultimately contribute to reduced productivity, jobs losses and increased inequality. Effects of the climate crisis fall disproportionately and profoundly on the most vulnerable, including young people. By contrast, climate action and the shift to a green economy have the potential to create more and better quality jobs.

In order to tackle pressing environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and plummeting biodiversity, nations and businesses need to transition towards greener, resilient and climate-neutral economies and societies. A just transition means greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.

The two organizations recognize the leadership that young people have demonstrated in the fight against climate change and their key role in driving climate innovation, including amid the COVID-19 induced jobs crisis.

The future of young generations will be marked by water scarcity and climate change in the region. Nonetheless, we also believe that youth have the potential to bring the necessary changes on the labour market. The shift to a green economy has the potential to create more and better quality jobs.

Ruba Jaradat, Regional Director for the Arab States, ILO
To that end, the IsDB and the ILO invite youth-led organizations, networks and coalitions based in the IsDB Member States to propose new and innovative ideas and solutions that equip youths (15-35 years old) with the competencies required for supporting a just transition in their communities.
The Green Skills Accelerator Challenge for Youth is looking for solutions that contribute to the following target scopes:
  • Upskill or reskill youth for their effective participation in the green policy making processes for a just transition;
  • Ensure peer-to-peer learning on just transitions and strengthen youth coalitions on the subject;
  • Create or improve training programmes to equip youth with the technical and soft skills required for the green transition in a given sector / for a given occupation;
  • Mainstream climate change into existing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and education curricula and programmes for youth;
  • Improve access to opportunities for green skills acquisition and recognition for marginalised youth;
  • Support green skills trainers and training providers in becoming agents of a just transition for youth; and
  • Translate employment creation, entrepreneurship or business ideas into solutions that accelerate upskilling or reskilling of youth for a just transition in the communities.
Read more about the challenge call: IsDB-ILO Youth Green Skills Accelerator Challenge Call

Young women and men have an important role to play in contributing to the just transition, for instance, through meaningful engagement in shaping and implementing evidence-based policies for a just transition at national and international level.

Srinivas B Reddy, Chief, Skills and Employability Branch, ILO
The challenge will leverage the infrastructure and experience of the ILO Skills Innovation Facility. It seeks to recognise the key role that young people play as agents of change to accelerate action towards a just transition. The ambition is to accelerate innovation around skills development, employment and entrepreneurship promotion, and climate change by providing young innovators with a network of experts from both the IsDB and the ILO to support and implement their ideas and solutions. By offering the knowledge and skills that the youth will need in a greener economy, the two agencies hope to enhance young people’s capabilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.