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Policy Recommendations for the Just Transition Work Programme at COP30: Overcoming Fragmentation in the UNFCCC to Deliver Just Transitions

King’s & COP30
Dr Steven Harry

Research Associate, Department of Political Economy

18 November 2025

This policy brief, authored by Dr Steve Harry, uses an integrated justice framework to identify gaps in the UNFCCC’s current approach to Just Transitions, and recommends specific solutions.

The UNFCCC is suffering a credibility crisis when it comes to delivering Just Transitions. The current, fragmented approach to Just Transitions creates opportunities for Parties to recognise that justice matters, but can’t deliver equitable climate action. To overcome the UNFCCC’s fragmented approach to justice and deliver Just Transitions, the JTWP needs to:

  • Create a permanent Just Transition Unit, Mechanism or Body to address fragmentation, provide coordination, and support the delivery of key recommendations.
  • Adopt ILO Guidelines as shared Just Transition principles with climate-specific extensions.
  • Incorporate integrated justice assessments in NDCs, NAPs and the Global Stocktake.
  • Enhance Just Transition finance by clarifying eligibility and simplifying access for Just Transition activities.
  • Develop sector-specific implementation pathways that deliver Just Transitions beyond the energy sector, and translate high-level commitments into actionable policies.

Read the policy brief to find out more!

Read the submission

Read the policy brief

This policy brief was originally published on Climate Strategies.

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Steve Harry

Steve Harry

Research Associate

King’s & COP30

Learn more about COP30, held this year in Belem, and how King's is responding to the climate crisis.

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