Dhaka, April 21, (V7N) – A delegation led by International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen met with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat today to discuss incorporating "just transition" principles into the country’s climate and development strategies.

During the meeting, Poutiainen highlighted the need for proactive workforce preparation as economies transition to greener models. “It is essential to reskill, upskill, and ensure inclusive social protection so that no one is left behind,” he said, emphasizing the joint role of workers, employers, and governments in managing the shift.

Adviser Rizwana Hasan reaffirmed the government’s dedication to a fair and inclusive green transition. She lauded the ILO’s leadership in uniting stakeholders and stressed the importance of embedding just transition frameworks in national policies, including the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the forthcoming Climate Prosperity Plan.

The ILO shared plans to launch a Call to Action during the upcoming Just Transition Academy in Dhaka — a joint commitment by the government, employers, and workers’ organizations to advance equitable climate action. Rizwana welcomed the initiative and expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to become a key signatory.

Discussions also covered the alignment of just transition with global supply chains, labour rights, and responsible investment. The ILO reiterated its willingness to support Bangladesh through technical assistance and multi-agency collaboration.

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