Rizwana Meets ILO Delegation to Discuss ‘Just Transition’

A delegation led by Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), met with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The discussions centered on incorporating the principles of a just transition into Bangladesh’s broader climate and development agenda.

Poutiainen underscored the importance of preparing the workforce for the shift to a greener economy through re-skilling, up-skilling, and inclusive social protection. "This transition must be shaped collectively by workers, employers, and governments to ensure no one is left behind," he noted.

Adviser Rizwana reiterated the government’s commitment to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable transition, according to a press release from the ministry. She welcomed the ILO’s efforts in convening key stakeholders and stressed the need to integrate just transition principles into national frameworks, including the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the forthcoming Climate Prosperity Plan.

During the meeting, the ILO also announced plans to launch a Call to Action — a joint pledge involving the government, employers, and workers’ organizations — during the upcoming Just Transition Academy in Dhaka. Rizwana expressed her appreciation for the initiative and affirmed Bangladesh’s intent to participate as a key signatory.

Both parties also explored opportunities to align just transition strategies with global supply chains, labour rights, and responsible investment.

The ILO expressed its readiness to support Bangladesh through technical cooperation and collaboration with other UN agencies and national platforms. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to a future where economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice progress in unison, the press release added.