Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan AL-Obaidli, General Manager of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC States, affirmed that the GCC Labour Ministers Committee accords significant attention to climate change and green jobs within its strategic plans and projects, contributing to the readiness of GCC labour markets to respond to the requirements of the green economy and advance pathways towards a just transition.

His remarks came during his participation in the first ministerial meeting of the Advisory Board of the Just Transition Flagship Initiative under the Global Coalition for Social Justice. During the meeting, AL-Obaidli highlighted a number of joint GCC efforts aimed at anticipating future labour market transformations and aligning labour policies with environmental and development priorities.

AL-Obaidli explained that the GCC’s commitment to this agenda has translated into tangible initiatives, including the establishment of specialised technical committees tasked with anticipating the skills required by the green economy and exploring ways to develop policies and programmes that support a just transition, in line with the national plans and environmental contexts of each GCC state.

He noted that GCC states have placed the transition towards more sustainable and diversified economic models among their national priorities by expanding investment in green projects, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and supporting initiatives designed to address the challenges of climate change and strengthen the foundations of sustainability.

AL-Obaidli added that the Executive Bureau supports the efforts of GCC states by strengthening strategic partnerships with international organisations. He noted that cooperation with the International Labour Organization has led to the launch of a specialised training programme aimed at building the capacities of national cadres in ministries of labour in the areas of green jobs and the just transition.

He further stated that the Executive Bureau is developing project proposals designed to strengthen the governance of GCC labour markets and enhance their alignment with the requirements of the green economy. In parallel, the Bureau continues to organise joint activities with international partners to facilitate the exchange of expertise and good practices and to support the development of policies addressing environmental and economic transformations.

The General Manager underscored the importance of deepening cooperation among governments, employers’ organisations and international partners to address the impacts of climate change and ensure the protection of the groups most vulnerable to its effects. Such efforts, he said, are essential to creating safer and more sustainable working environments that support economic growth and promote social well-being.

AL-Obaidli also expressed the Executive Bureau’s pride in joining the initiative’s Advisory Board and commended the efforts of the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the International Labour Organization to establish a dedicated platform for just transition policies. He noted that the platform would serve as a valuable knowledge resource supporting the efforts of GCC states to further develop their economic, social and environmental policies and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.