Skills for Green and Just Transitions – Potential and Challenges
with a Focus on Africa and South Eastern Europe
As the climate crisis intensifies, transitioning to a green and just global economy is essential.
But do we have the skills needed for this transition? And are we even sure what skills
will be needed in the future?
Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a crucial role, yet especially in low- and
middle-income countries, VET systems face major challenges such as financial constraints,
inadequate infrastructure, weak labour market relevance, and low social recognition.
Another key issue is the tension between VET’s traditional focus on industrial development
and the growing need to address environmental sustainability and social justice.
A dynamic debate has emerged on VET’s role in supporting these transitions, with diverse
actors – from governments and multilateral organisations to companies, trade unions, civil
society, and local communities – proposing a range of solutions. These include specific
measures like green job training and broader systemic changes in VET’s role.
Yet critical questions remain, especially in low-income countries, where large parts of the
workforce, including informal and unpaid sectors, risk being left behind. While there is
general consensus on the principle of leaving no one behind, there is still a lack of clear
strategies for implementation.
This event will explore the opportunities and challenges of VET and skills development
for green and just transitions. It will bring together academics, policymakers, and civil
society to discuss labour market relevance, social inclusion, and justice, with a focus on
Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Europe.
Registration: registration@oefse.at
The event will take place in a hybrid format. Upon registration, the link will be sent to
those who wish to participate online.
09:30 – 16:45
Hybrid; C3 - Centre for International Development, Vienna
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