The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, facing significant threats due to climate change. Cambodia is one of the countries most at risk from climate change. The environmental vulnerabilities caused by climate change are exacerbating poverty, inequality, livelihoods, employment, economic developmen and environmental sustainability.

The Global Accelerator, a joint initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General in September 2021, aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create millions of decent jobs, primarily in the green, digital and care economies. The Global Accelerator is being implemented in a selected number of countries, also known as “pathfinders”, which have considerable potential to amplify investments in jobs and social protection and have expressed a commitment to do so. Cambodia is one of the leading Pathfinder countries for the Global Accelerator. 

Recognizing the urgency of addressing these issues, the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme is supporting the construction industry in Cambodia in its transition towards a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable, and fair economy. This transition is critical not only for the environment but also for ensuring decent work and promoting social protection for vulnerable workers.

The project will support industries in transitioning to low-carbon production systems and implementing labour market policies, social protection, occupational safety and health, and skills training to help workers adapt.

This workshop will bring together key stakeholders in Cambodia to raise awareness of the necessity of a just transition in the context of Cambodia. During the workshop, it will share the ILO’s principles for a just transition and address current challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.

ILO is set to conduct diagnostic research on Cambodia's current policies and related circumstances regarding Just Transition with the Korea Labour Employment Service. Through dialogue with social groups and social partners, the research will identify Cambodia's precise needs and solutions for implementing Just Transition. 

Based on this, ILO will develop actionable short- and long-term roadmaps and action plans. The outcome may provide recommendations to help Cambodia, as a GA Pathfinder country, effectively implement Just Transition with the involvement of tripartite groups.