Preventing Social Unrest in Economic Transitions
Channel: United States Institute of Peace
Date: 17/05/2023

Conflict-Sensitive Solutions for Peaceful Transitions to Greener Economies

The growing climate crisis and environmental shocks have sparked an unprecedented need for industrialized nations and major corporations to make revolutionary and potentially traumatic transitions in their production systems. Without a well-thought strategy for the potential shocks of divestment from polluting industries, political blowback, labor unrest and social backlash may slow down and altogether derail transitional efforts. The fallout from haphazard or unjust transitions could also deepen social inequalities, spark recurring cycles of unrest, diminish productivity and make businesses less competitive. The international community needs to be prepared to offer viable solutions for the millions of vulnerable workers and their households as they grapple with finding new livelihoods.

On May 17, USIP hosted a conversation on emerging research about the risks of unrest on the long road toward a more peaceful and just transition to sustainable economies in fragile contexts. Experts shared and discussed which approaches can more effectively manage these shocks that may disrupt labor markets in transitioning societies and what states can do to support their workers. The discussion also looked at recent cases from diverse geographies that provide lessons learned from failed processes and those that offer the best practices from early successes. 

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #JustTransitionsUSIP.

Speakers:

Moustapha Kamal Gueye
Director, Priority Action Programme for Just Transitions, International Labor Organization

Sonia Mistry
Climate and Labor Justice Global Lead, Solidarity Center

Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Lead Economist, Jobs Group, World Bank

Liva Stokenberga
Advisor, Centre on Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
 
Tegan Blaine, moderator
Director for Climate, Environment and Conflict, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP: https://www.usip.org/about