ASEAN addresses Skills Development, Labour Market Needs and Just Transition

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 24, 2024 – The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) of Malaysia spearheaded the two-day ASEAN Green Jobs Forum on April 24-25, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on skills development, labour market needs and transition.

Aimed at addressing the rising demand for green skills in the region and advocating for a just transition towards sustainability, the forum garnered support from key partners including the Australian Government, The Asia Foundation, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, MOHR Malaysia’s Secretary General, and H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, inaugurated the event. Dato’ Sri Khairul highlighted the significance of collaboration and action to equip ASEAN with requisite skills and policies for a sustainable future.

Ambassador McDonald emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s green energy transition, leveraging its expertise in green technologies, education, and investments.

Skills Development

The event convened government officials, industry representatives, academia, and international organizations to discuss crucial topics including TVET and Skills Development, Labour Markets and Policies, Environment Considerations, Private Sector Engagement, MSMEs, and Regional Cooperation. These discussions aimed to address the critical need for green skills and jobs in the ASEAN region.

The ASEAN Green Jobs Forum aligns with the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting Green Jobs for Equity and Inclusive Growth, guiding member states in promoting green jobs while ensuring environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development.

Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., representing the Philippines’ Department of Labour and Employment and Chair of the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM), emphasized the forum’s role in promoting cleaner technologies and creating green jobs. Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Chair of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN) stressed the urgent need for innovative approaches to economic growth in light of climate change and environmental challenges.

For more information, visit the forum’s website.

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