Green Jobs for the Future: UNEP, UNESCO and partners to host workshop in youth skills development for the circular economy

Today’s global production and consumption patterns are intricately linked to the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These crises have far-reaching implications for employment, as 40 per cent of all jobs rely on vital ecosystem services. The alarming spectre of climate-induced heat stress is also placing 80 million full-time jobs in jeopardy.

Nevertheless, by embracing a comprehensive transition to a ‘circular economy’ which is designed to maximize the value and durability of resources, we can not only tackle these interconnected crises but also unlock a wealth of green job opportunities. Current projections reveal that the circular economy holds the potential to reshape nearly 80 million jobs, offering a more promising future especially in Asia and the Pacific.

Recognizing the significance of this transition, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with UNESCO Bangkok and additional partners—the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Yunus Thailand, with the support of the OAK Foundation—will be hosting a dynamic, participatory two-day workshop on green skills for the circular economy; the role of education and lifelong learning systems in overcoming skills gaps; and the role of educational institutions in scaling green jobs.

Day 1:  Thurs., 14 September

• Presentation of current trends in the circular economy, highlighting opportunities and skills requirements for green jobs, with tangible examples from high-impact sectors, such as plastics

Day 2:  Fri., 15 September

• Discussion of actions taken, to date, by educational institutions to promote green skills among students
• Facilitation of peer-learning, encouraging students to plan their studies and careers in support of the green transition

• Professionals and experts in sustainability, circular economy, and green technologies
• Representatives from educational institutions, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs interested in promoting green skills development and youth employment opportunities
• Students interested in green skills development

14–15 September 2023

Online: Zoom Conferencing

Due to limited capacity, please register in advance at the following link.

The workshop will be organized bilingually in Thai and English, with simultaneous interpretation.

Concept Note and Provisional Agenda*, Event Website

For further information on UNESCO’s work in education for sustainable development, greening education, and skills development:

• Greening Education Partnership
• Greening in TVET
• Adolescent education, learning and skills development: technical paper

_{* This document will be available online for three months after the event announcement was first published. To access the document after that, please write to eisd.bgk(at)unesco.org.}  

Ilja Riekki

Junior Professional Officer

Literacy and Lifelong Learning Team

UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in Bangkok

eisd.bgk(at)unesco.org

Maria Hughes

Associate Programme Management Officer

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

maria.hughes(at)un.org

Young Ran Hur

Programme Management Officer

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

hury(at)un.org