Green Transition without Green Skills?

Have you ever wondered if we have enough green skills to support the sustainable transition? It's a fundamental question that took center stage at COP28 UAE .

The answer is clear: No! During the COP28UAE Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum , Allen Blue , the co-founder of LinkedIn revealed a striking reality—while hiring in green jobs increased by 25%, individuals with green skills only increased by 9% over time. Despite the surge in job opportunities, the demand for skilled professionals is outpacing the supply, potentially causing significant bottlenecks for upcoming projects.

This critical issue echoed through COP28 UAE , especially with organizations like WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development raising their voices. Peter Bakker , WBCSD's President & CEO, emphasized the need for a skills map in the plans announced at COP, citing the rapid changes in industries like the automotive sector, where collaborative efforts are essential for quantifying losses and implementing effective reskilling strategies.

So, what can we do about this? Here are three levers we can use:

1. Companies: Companies need to take the responsibility of upskilling their entire workforce. Concrete plans are crucial, offering a unique opportunity to engage the entire organization in sustainable transformation.
2. Investors: Investors, particularly in the climate and impact space, must consider the workforce's role in project delivery. The question of skills should consistently be on their agenda and closely monitored.
3. Government: Governments play a vital role in channeling investment to develop green skills. Prioritizing this supports ambitious net-zero targets and ensures the active participation of the population in the sustainable transition.

Let’s not forget that this transition must be fair and inclusive. Involving developing countries is essential, and working towards developing skills in the Global South is crucial.

That’s why we are proud to introduce the Mena Impact Academy! It's a unique training platform dedicated to sustainability in the MENA region, aimed at supporting individuals and organizations in sustainable transformation. We provide a range of offerings, including online courses, workshops, training programs, and customized training plans.

A fantastic starting point is our online course, 'Introduction to Corporate Sustainability.' This course demystifies concepts such as CSR, ESG, SDGs, or COP, providing you with a comprehensive overview of what companies need to do.

Enroll now and unlock the keys to sustainable impact! We'd love to hear your thoughts on green skills. Share your insights with us!

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