Just Transition - COP29 Negotiation Updates

The just transition centers on shifting to a low-carbon economy in a way that supports affected workers, communities, and industries, ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. The IPCC stresses that the just transition requires targeted and proactive measures from government and relevant actors to reduce any negative social, environmental or economic impacts of economy-wide transitions. The just transition means different things to different groups, underscoring the importance of an inclusive, diverse multi-stakeholder approach to categorically ensure no one is left behind. Originating from labor movements in North America in the 1970s, it has developed as a central piece in the energy transition, highlighting the need for fair job creation, worker protections, reskilling, and social dialogue, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by decarbonization, such as coal and other fossil fuels.

First recognized in international climate negotiations and agreements through the COP21 Paris Agreement, the just transition has made notable progress as a key action item for the proceeding COPs. At COP24 in Katowice, the “Silesia Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition” marked its formal recognition as a concept within the UN climate framework. At COP26 in Glasgow, the momentum continued with the formation of the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs). These partnerships mobilize financing from developed countries to support emerging economies in decarbonizing their energy sectors while promoting social equity.

COP27 world leaders agreed on the Work Programme on Just Transition Pathways and further reinforced commitments to a just transition, emphasizing financing mechanisms and expanded stakeholder engagement to address diverse impacts across regions. Gender was emphasized at COP28 with the Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnerships, which currently has 82 signatures.  

COP29 will host the second High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition, a follow-up to the first, which was held at COP28. An interesting development, if continued from COP28 discussions, will be whether Parties seek to expand the just transition to include other sectors, such as agriculture. COP29 will likely see greater conversations around financing mechanisms for the Just Transition, extending from the COP26 JETPs and COP27 Work Programme. A common theme throughout climate discussions, there will also likely be a continued push for the inclusive involvement of diverse stakeholders, with an emphasis on women, girls and youth, in the negotiation and development of just transition initiatives and financing mechanisms. 

Relevant documents: 

• Informal note by the Co-Facilitators – Draft negotiating text 

• SB Conclusions 2024 

• Decision 3/CMA.5  

Related events: 

• 18 Nov – High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition 

CGIAR submissions: 

• FAO-CGIAR_Joint_Submission_UAE JTWP_2nd dialogue 

In their joint submission, FAO and CGIAR call for targeted policy coherence, increased investment in climate-resilient and low-emission technologies, and support mechanisms such as social protections, capacity-building, and livelihood diversification. FAO and CGIAR advocate for gender equity, addressing systemic inequalities that impact women in agrifood systems, and they stress the need for international cooperation to share best practices and build global resilience. 

To ensure a just transition, FAO and CGIAR propose actionable steps including aligning national policies to support agrifood workers, increasing R&D for sustainable technologies, providing income transition support for small-scale producers, building local capacities, and fostering partnerships. These measures aim to safeguard livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable groups, while advancing low-emission, climate-resilient practices in agrifood systems. 

COP29 Day 2 Updates, November 12, 2024

Sessions 01 & 02: 12/11 10:00-11:00 ; 19:00-20:00 

Following minimal discussions on the just transition on Day 1, Day 2 marked the first session on the UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), adopted at COP28. The session began with discussions of the informal note developed at SB60 in Bonn. Countries acknowledged this as a starting point while stressing the need to address persistent gaps. Many delegates emphasized the importance of building on the past year’s progress, particularly the outcomes of the First Dialogue in Bonn (June 2-3) and the Second Dialogue in Sharm el-Sheikh (October 2-3). Notably, the EU called for including the transition away from fossil fuels, as well as human rights and gender equality considerations in the JTWP. In the second session on the UAE Just Transition Work Programme, country delegates largely reiterated support for the informal text while proposing priorities for the finalized document. 

Common themes: Priorities for a Just Transition 

Several countries stated that to achieve the 1.5-degree limit is to integrate just transition priorities into their NDCs, NAPs and low emission pathway strategies. Additionally, several countries emphasized the key role of workforce and social protections (especially for the informal economy) in achieving a just transition, with the UK specifically highlighting education and skills transition. In connection, the necessity of multistakeholder inclusion (women and girls, youth, marginalized communities, SMEs, the private sector, and informal sectors) was consistently reiterated, particularly as it relates to our efforts to leave no one behind.  

Existing tensions: Scope and financing 

The discussions also reflected a tension between the domestic and international dimensions of the Just Transition Work Programme, as Kenya, on behalf of developing countries raised concerns about the lack of focus on the international dimension. South Africa noted that by not developing a more international focus, the final document will act against itself. Moreover, nearly all developing countries emphasized the importance of access to adequate financing from developed nations, while also scaling up the technical and human capacities required to reduce barriers around access to finance. However, developed countries did not mention financing in their statements.  

CGIAR alignment 

Several delegates aligned with CGIAR and FAO’s recommendations to the Just Transition Work Programme, affirming that the just transition must encompass a whole-of-society approach beyond just the energy sector. However, the agrifood sector was not specifically mentioned as the statements in this regard remained quite general. Additionally, nearly all countries concurred on the need for an inclusive, multistakeholder strategy, with a strong emphasis on supporting marginalized communities. In fact, Australia highlighted the value of integrating local knowledge in developing low-emission pathways and scaling up local solutions. Not only, numerous developed countries—underscored the importance of safeguarding the labour force and providing social support to ensure that no one is left behind during the transition. 

COP29 Day 3 Updates, November 13, 2024

The updated Informal Summary of the Second Dialogue under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme was published at 3pm with talks scheduled to continue on Thursday. On the opening day of the Just Transition Pavilion, several discussions took place centered on ensuring a just transition to clean energy, with a focus on equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly women, youth, and Indigenous peoples. In a High-Level session with opening remarks given by the UN Secretary–General, parties voiced widespread approval of the recommendations outlined by the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Key issues highlighted included the role of critical minerals in the energy transition, with calls for the need for local mineral processing, sustainable mining practices, and fair trade. Countries like Zimbabwe and Keny emphasized the need for green job creation, innovation, and sustainable mineral extraction in Africa, while leaders stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation, transparency in global supply chains, and increased investment and technology transfer to the Global South.

The Secretary General announced that the COP29 Presidency will work with Member States and other stakeholders to establish the recommended High-Level Expert Advisory Group. A second session on integrating just transition into NDC 3.0 showcased the coordinated efforts of UN agencies to embed just transition principles in climate action, with parties sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and calling for international financial support and cooperation. In another session on driving gender-just energy transition through financing and capacity building in the Global South, parties highlighted the need for new gender-responsive financing mechanisms that ensures financing reaches women and girls. The session ended with a call to close capacity gaps, increase financial literacy for women, and ensure that women are included in just transition efforts, both as leaders and beneficiaries.  

COP29 Day 4 Updates, November 14, 2024

Negotiations around the updated Informal Summary of the Second Dialogue under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme continued Thursday morning. Following a point of order, the negotiations were suspended by the co-chairs to allow more time for the parties to reflect on the updated draft. The second session saw broad opposition from Parties to the draft text on multiple fronts. Another iteration is expected to be published on Friday to inform final talks. A high-level session on catalyzing investment for just transition also took place on Day 4 with parties calling for novel and innovative solutions that ensure support for developing countries facing the dual challenges of mitigating emissions while addressing critical developing needs, balancing economic policies with social opportunities, the facilitation of private sector involvement by governments in just transitions, and collaboration in knowledge and research to better understand transition risk in order to minimize it.  

 G77 and China: Requested for more time to reflect on text. Co-chairs accepted request and suspended convening.  

Australia: Recognized the need to integrate gender equality into just transitions and stated that the draft effectively builds on informal note. Called for parties to go from “talkshop to “workshop” and noted that a more systematic approach is needed to cover topics listed in Paragraph 8. Encouraged co-chairs to be open to challenges experienced in both developing and developed countries in Paragraph 13. Encouraged streamlining of document and reduction of duplications of concepts.  

United Kingdon: Emphasized excitement for work on draft. Made 3 suggestions: 1) Recognized socio-economic opportunities of transitioning to clean energy in line with first global stock take; 2) Recognized importance of education and upskilling for just transition of workforce and creation of jobs; 3) Recognizes labor rights; collective bargaining; cooperation between governments, businesses, and unions; enhancing worker protections. Supported next dialogues focusing on climate adaptation and resilience for just transitions as stated in Paragraph 6

COP29 Day 5 Updates, November 15, 2024

Building on late talks on Thursday, the latest draft of the Informal Statement of the Second Dialogue under the United Arab Emirates just transition work programme was published around 7:00 PM on Friday with the next round of deliberations scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. Other discussions around Just Transitions were minimal with the ILO Just Transition Pavilion hosting a handful of events around socio-economic impacts and pathways to equity, social dialogue for fair outcomes on human mobility and a just transition, the role of non-state actors in a just transition, and skill development as a catalyst for just transitions.

COP29 Day 6 Updates, November 16, 2024

A draft decision text was supported by several groups (AOSIS, the EIG, the EU, GRUPO SUR, NEPAL, AFRICAN GROUP), who agreed to forward it for further revisions, emphasizing the importance of building on progress made. However, opposition from other Parties (LMDCs, supported by OMAN and the RUSSIAN FEDERATION) blocked consensus, arguing the text failed to reflect their views on respecting national capacities and rights to determine just transition pathways. Other Parties (SAUDI ARABIA) highlighted concerns about limited carbon budgets and inadequate mitigation by developed countries. With no resolution, the matter was forwarded to CMA 6 on week two for further consideration. 

COP29 Day 8 Updates, November 18, 2024

Second Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition Work Programme  

COP29 hosted the Second Ministerial Roundtable on Just Transition Work Programme on 18 November, following the cautious approval of the Draft Text by several groups (AOSIS, the EIG, the EU, GRUPO SUR, NEPAL, AFRICAN GROUP). With overlooked questions and realities brought to the fore, an abundance of positive spin, lofty rhetoric, and more statements in agreement than not, the session ran 30 minutes over time, leaving some countries unable to deliver their statements. Remaining interventions are expected to be submitted to the Secretariat via email, a process that drew visible disapproval from the Parties affected. The Co-Chairs noted that the COP29 Presidency will issue an informal note summarizing the discussions in the coming days. 

Common Themes 

Three key themes shaped the discussions. First, many interventions focused on the nuanced and context-specific nature of the just transition, shaped by each country’s unique ecological, socioeconomic and developmental priorities. Tuvalu, speaking on behalf of AOSIS, noted that pathways must reflect the economic and environmental conditions of SIDS, with consideration due to tourism, fisheries and agriculture. Ethiopia, on behalf of LDCs, highlighted their fragile infrastructure, disproportionate exposure to climate impacts and limited resources to address climate change. This directly translated into the calls made by Brazil (behalf of Grupo Sur), Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia (LDCs), Fiji, Guinea, Kenya (AGEAN), Mexico, NIUE, State of Palestine, Tuvalu (AOSIS), UAE, Senegal, South Africa, Venezuela, and Zambia, for greater access to finance, technological transfer and capacity building.  

Another recurring theme was the necessity of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Nearly all delegations stressed that inclusive stakeholder engagement, multistakeholder partnerships and social dialogue are essential to drive transformational change. Australia specifically noted the imperative for a gender-responsive just transition, with broad involvement of vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, youth, and local communities. Such calls were reiterated by Brazil, the EU, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Norway, Tuvalu (behalf of AOSIS), Saudi Arabia, and the Solomon Islands.  

Lastly, a key theme—particularly of developing nations—was the prioritisation of social protection policies to safeguard workers and vulnerable communities in the transition away from a fossil fuel economy. Kazakhstan and Mexico equally noted that the just transition must take care to those in the traditional energy sectors, referencing skills development and the enhancement of the workforce for smooth integration into “green” jobs.  Several interventions expanded on this theme, noting that protections of the workforce should include the informal sector (Australia, Ethiopia (behalf of LDCs), Burkina Faso) and care economy (SBSTA Chair), with considerations made to future generations.  

Notable inclusions and areas of tension 

Colombia raised several critical challenges that are hindering the achievement of a just transition, emphasizing the monumental efforts it requires. As a coal and oil producer, Colombia questioned how it—and other countries—can transition away from its reliance on fossil fuel exports to new economic sectors within the limited time frame defined by science. Furthermore, Colombia highlighted that the current structure of the international financial system and global economic inequalities exacerbate the difficulty of achieving a just transition. Asking, “Who will risk their economy first without a guarantee of moving forward?” Colombia stressed that delaying action and failing to address the inequal power and financial structures will only make the just transition—and overall climate financing—more costly and increasingly unattainable. 

Belgium and Germany equally called for reforming the international financial architecture to enable shifts in the global economy and markets that support and enable just transitions. Similarly, Brazil, India, Kenya and Venezuela pointed to the significance of Article 2.2 of the Paris Climate Agreement in this context, underscoring that advancing just transitions globally requires aligning with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.” In an interesting diversion, Venezuela suggested an alternative economic structure to capitalism, citing eco-socialism as a compatible structure for promoting sustainable development and harmony between nature and economic well-being. 

Although referenced by a handful of Parties, India specifically noted the historical emissions gap, the vastly different starting points and national circumstances that are preventing a global just transition within developing countries. India argued that it is “premature” to discuss just transition pathways as it relates to NDCs and NAPs, underscoring that the transition starts in developed countries. India cited that developed countries must reach net zero by 2030, not only to provide “carbon space” for developing countries, but to also reduce the costs of the transition for developing countries.  

As mentioned, several groups were cautious in supporting putting the draft text forward but did so with the understanding that concerns can be addressed in the second week. As such, several Parties underscored in the beginning of Week Two that the final decision text of the Work Programme must clearly define actionable steps and tangible outcomes to guide nations in achieving a just transition.  

Alignment with CGIAR/FAO Statement  

CGIAR called for capacity building, multistakeholder partnerships, and social support for affected individuals in the transition in its submission to the UAE Just Transitions Work Programme. At large, these were addressed in nearly all of the interventions. However, a key expectation of CGIAR is the recognition of the agrifood system as a crucial sector for achieving a just transition. Notably, Climate Platform Director Dr. Aditi Mukherji underscored the need to expand the Work Program to encompass the agrifood sector in a briefing with the UN Secretary General. Aside from Tuvalu (behalf of AOSIS), no other interventions explicitly acknowledged the critical role of agrifood systems in achieving a just transition. While a handful of Parties advocated for broadening the scope of the just transition, the language remained vague, resembling terms such as “whole-of-society.” The lack of clarity in defining the sectors affected by the just transition poses challenges to its effectiveness and policy implementation. This underscores the significant work that remains in negotiations as COP29 approaches its conclusion in Baku. 

COP29 Day 10 Updates, November 20, 2024

At the crossroads of climate action, just transition and sustainable development lies agriculture—a sector that both contributes to and is profoundly impacted by climate change. Yet, despite its significance, the agri-food sector remains conspicuously absent from the UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and nearly all the negotiations on the just transition at COP29 thus far. Discussions at CGIAR’s COP29 side event with FLO e.V., CABI, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, and PIK, “Just Transition pathways to achieve Paris Agreement goals in the agri-food sector,” highlighted the urgency of addressing this gap, offering a roadmap for how agri-food systems can transition in a just manner toward resilience, equity, and sustainability. 

The central theme of the discussion was the foundational role of smallholder farmers, who produce much of the world’s food yet remain among the most vulnerable to climate change and are marginalised in decision-making processes. They often lack access to resources and a voice at the table—with the imbalance at COP29 noted by Peter Schmidt, EESC Member, NAT Section President and chair of the Ad Hoc Group on COP—including climate finance, receiving just 1.4% of global climate finance, according to Monika Froehler, CEO of the Ban Ki-moon Centre. The consensus amongst panellists was clear: smallholder farmers must be prioritized in any vision of a just transition. Policies and investments must be tailored to their needs, incorporating their voices and experiences into decision-making processes from their inception. As Monika Froehler emphasized in her speech, “We can only talk about just transition in agri-food systems if we are including smallholder farmers.” 

The discussion also underscored the urgent need for upscaling adaptation finance, which, according to Froehler, is often the “sad cousin” of mitigation efforts. Adaptation financing must be reimagined as a cornerstone of the just transition, with mechanisms that ensure funds equitably reach grassroots initiatives, with an emphasis on women and girls. Daniel Elger, CEO of CABI, underscored in his presentation that extension services in supporting just transitions globally reach women only 21% of the time. A poignant observation from Martial Bernoux of the FAO highlighted the stakes: farmers asked to “save the world” will first prioritize securing their farms, families, and communities. This human-centered perspective reinforces the importance of channelling quality, equitable funding to where it is most needed. 

Another vital aspect of the conversation was the role of systemic approaches in tackling interconnected challenges. Agriculture is a significant contributor to GHG emissions, deforestation, and water scarcity, all of which compound climate risks for smallholder farmers. Professor Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, stressed that resilient agri-food systems are at the heart of sustainable development. Solutions exist, as agreed by most of the panellists, but barriers to their uptake and scaling-up—such as limited access to resources and low capacity—must be addressed. Programs like PlantwisePlus, presented by CABI’s CEO Daniel Elger, exemplify how innovative approaches can empower farmers through localized knowledge-sharing, pest preparedness, and reduced pesticide risk, boosting productivity while promoting sustainability. 

Inclusivity was a recurring theme, with panelists advocating for gender-responsive and youth-driven solutions. Women and young people, who often face systemic barriers, have critical roles to play in transforming agri-food systems. As discussed by Ifeoluwa Olatayo, BKMC Youth AgriChampion and Founder of Soupah Farm-en-Market Limited, youth bring adaptability, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach. However, to see the true inclusion of youth in agri-food system solutions and support multigenerational assistance and success, they require capacity-building support through technical training and financial resources. Ensuring that women and young farmers are not left behind and included from the inception of policymaking is essential for equitable progress and a truly just transition in the limited timeline science dictates.  

The private sector’s responsibility was also discussed. Fairtrade International’s Juan Pablo Solis highlighted the importance of partnerships between companies, producer organizations, and communities to drive systemic change and a just transition amongst the whole value chain. Standards and policies should ensure fair resource distribution, prioritise human development, and respect human and environmental rights. Juan Pablo Solis noted that reframing the just transition in the agri-food sector around a human rights perspective is key for the billions living in food-insecure contexts, highlighting dignity and the human rights of individuals as it relates to access to food.  

The path forward is clear: put smallholder farmers at the centre of decision-making, scale up equitable adaptation finance and proven solutions, and centre vulnerable communities in decision-making. With COP29 nearing an end, negotiations on the UAE Just Transition Work Programme have stalled, threatening the inclusion of agri-food systems in the final decision text. Time is no longer on our side, as pointed out by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, leaving little room for delay and error in the expansion and implementation of just transition pathways beyond just the energy sector. As Froehler aptly put it, “Talk to smallholder farmers and listen to what they have to say about what a just transition has to look like.” It is only through such inclusive and transformative efforts in actionable policies that the just transition can truly embody its own principles. 

COP29 Day 11 Updates, November 21, 2024

Early in the morning of Day 11 The UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) was among the few updated draft texts released by the COP29 Presidency. Remaining at four pages long, the new draft reintroduced areas for further negotiation—presented as “options”—that were absent in the version shared on Day 06. With less than 48 hours remaining, key contentious issues to resolve include access to quality finance and the responsibility of developed countries in this regard, the scope of the just transition (i.e. beyond the energy sector and workforce), and further elaboration on its international dimension. 

Although the text addressed access to finance, technology sharing and transfer and capacity building—three key themes during the Ministerial Roundtable—several Parties expressed disappointment with the draft text, stating that it failed to accurately represent their interventions. South Africa noted that the text must better reflect the ongoing dialogues, elaborate on access to quality finance, and further address the international dimension of just transitions. Zimbabwe on behalf of AGN stated that they “reject the text in its totality” as it “lacks precision” on the provision of financial resources from developed to developing countries.  

The text again fails to explicitly define the agrifood sector as a key aspect of the just transition. The text accurately reflects the just transition as a whole-of-economy and whole-of-society approach, and underscores its multisectoral and multidimensional nature, but such vague language leaves the international approach disconnected and poorly defined, making JTWP harder to operationalize and hold parties accountable. This lack of clarity underscores the urgency of further negotiations to secure critical inclusions in the twilight hours of COP29. 

COP29 Day 12 Updates, November 22, 2024

The revised UAE Just Transition Work Programme text was released later than anticipated on Friday afternoon, leaving many delegates and attendees waiting to review the final language just hours before the official conclusion of COP29. Noteworthy changes in the new text include a reduction of four sections of “options” to just one, signalling ongoing disagreements over how to integrate the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST1) into the Just Transition Work Programme. The language, as often happens in final UNFCCC texts, was notably weakened as Parties worked toward a decision text.  

Below are key highlights of the revised 22 November text compared to the earlier draft released on 20 November and their implications on the Just Transition Work Programme. 

1. Article 2.2: Common but differentiated responsibilities  

The revised text explicitly references the Article 2.2. principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances,” reflecting a key theme discussed by all developing countries from the Ministerial Roundtable and Qurultay. In the previous text, Article 2.2 was merely referenced. Its full inclusion signals stronger recognition of the varying national circumstances and resources available for achieving just transitions, perhaps paving the way for more ambitious language on access to quality financing, technology sharing and transfer, and capacity building.  

1. ⁠Greenhouse gas reductions  

A key priority for CGIAR is the inclusion of the agrifood sector in the final decision text, which remains missing at this stage. The revised text, however, calls for “low greenhouse gas emission development in a manner that does not threaten food production,” signalling an area of research where CGIAR can make a significant impact and an opportunity to introduce more explicit text on agrifood systems. 

Moreover, language on emissions reduction was broadly diluted. The revised text no longer emphasises “the need for urgent action and support to keep the goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C within reach and to address the climate crisis in this critical decade.” Instead, it reiterates the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 2°C, with efforts to achieve 1.5°C, while acknowledging that meeting this target will “significantly” reduce risks and impacts of climate change and increase the ability to adapt.  

1. ⁠⁠Global Stocktake  

References to GST1 were removed from the introductory paragraphs of the revised text. Previously, the text acknowledged that “Parties are not yet collectively on track towards achieving the purpose of the Paris Climate Agreement and its long-term goals,” noting that this was a key outcome from GST1. This omission weakens the sense of urgency surrounding the just transition by failing to highlight the current shortfall in emissions reductions needed to align with the Paris Agreement. 

This observed area of tension extends to the handling of the final text option to be decided upon. The previous document presented four sets of options, which the latest text collapsed into one unresolved question: whether the Work Programme integrates outcomes of GST1. Two of the three options that were decided upon chose to include “no text” over alternative options. The third option accepted text that acknowledges that developing Parties may lack the institutional and financial capacity required to achieve the just transition and recognizes the role of the Work Programme in providing capacity building and technical and financial assistance. Although this acknowledgment is important for developing Parties, the language falls short of the strong commitments many groups have been working towards.  

1.    ”Urges” becomes “encourages”  

The text now “encourages” rather than “urges” Parties to incorporate just transition pathways in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS). This further emphasizes the use of weaker language in the new text, reducing the urgency and necessity of integrating just transition principles and priorities into every aspect of government policy. 

Response from Parties  

AGN swiftly released a statement declaring the text “unacceptable” as it failed to address its key concerns, including clear finance provisions and striking a fair balance between the domestic and international dimensions. Given that these issues were key priorities for several groups and Parties, including AOSIS and LDCs, the failure to further expand on these areas is a disappointing outcome for many, reflecting the clear chasms in priorities coming to the fore as revised texts continue to struggle to align with ongoing dialogues. 

Moving into overtime  

The late release and diluted language of the heavily criticized revised Just Transition Work Programme highlight the persistent challenges of finding consensus at COP29—a theme that extends across several negotiation tracks. While some progress has been made, the text reflects ongoing divisions that hinder ambitious action on just transitions, leaving many Parties dissatisfied on the final day of negotiations. The unrepresentative revisions raise questions about whether the final decision text—likely to be released over the weekend—will adequately address the concerns of developing Parties and the urgent and equitable action required to meet global climate and sustainable development goals. 

Acknowledgement

These negotiations were tracked, analysed and reported by: Judith Koren, and Laura Rabago