Workshop on Climate Change, Green Jobs, and the Role of Trade Unions.

Workshop on Climate Change, Green Jobs, and the Role of Trade Unions was organized by the Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU) and took place on 23/07/2023 in Mogadishu.

The objective of the workshop was to raise awareness among trade union members and stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change and the transition to green jobs in Somalia. The workshop aimed to explore the crucial role that trade unions can play in addressing climate-related issues and fostering sustainable employment practices.

Session 1: Understanding Climate Change and Its Impact on Somalia

The workshop commenced with an opening address by the SOCOTU executive bord member Mohamed Hussein Jabir, highlighting the importance of addressing climate change and its potential ramifications for workers and the broader society in Somalia. Experts from environmental organizations and academia provided an overview of climate change, its causes, and its impact on the country\’s vulnerable ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.

Session 2: Green Jobs and Sustainable Development

The second session focused on green jobs and their role in promoting sustainable development in Somalia. Representatives from civil society and Human Resource Development and other relevant authorities shared insights on the potential sectors for green job growth in the country. Discussions centered around renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and eco-tourism as promising avenues for green job creation.

Session 3: The Role of Trade Unions in Addressing Climate Change

This segment of the workshop emphasized the indispensable role of trade unions in advocating for workers\’ rights and welfare in the context of climate change. Representatives from SOCOTU and other regional trade unions shared success stories of collaborative efforts to negotiate fair working conditions in environmentally sensitive industries. They also discussed strategies for integrating climate change considerations into collective bargaining agreements to protect workers\’ interests amid economic transitions.

Session 4: Building Climate Resilience in Somali Industries

The fourth session explored strategies to enhance climate resilience in various industries in Somalia. Experts presented case studies on successful climate adaptation initiatives, highlighting the importance of sustainable resource management and innovation in mitigating the effects of climate change. Participants engaged in interactive discussions to identify challenges and opportunities in implementing climate-resilient practices in different sectors.

Session 5: Advocacy and Policy Recommendations

During the final session, participants collectively developed policy recommendations and advocacy strategies to strengthen the engagement of trade unions in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The discussions revolved around advocating for pro-worker climate policies, promoting green skills training for the workforce, and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure a just and inclusive transition to a green economy.

Conclusion:

The Workshop on Climate Change, Green Jobs, and the Role of Trade Unions hosted by SOCOTU proved to be a significant platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on climate-related issues and their implications for workers in Somalia. Participants recognized the urgency of addressing climate change and embraced the idea of trade unions playing an active role in shaping sustainable and equitable solutions. The workshop concluded with a commitment from SOCOTU and its member unions to continue their collaboration with government agencies, employers, and civil society organizations to create a greener and more sustainable future for Somalia.

Recommendations:

SOCOTU should continue to organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to raise awareness and build capacity among trade union members on climate change and green jobs.

Trade unions should actively engage in advocacy efforts to influence climate-related policies at the national and regional levels, prioritizing the welfare and rights of workers during the transition to green industries.

Collaboration between trade unions, environmental organizations, and the private sector should be encouraged to promote sustainable development and green job opportunities in various sectors.

SOCOTU should facilitate the creation of a platform for sharing best practices and success stories among trade unions and workers in addressing climate change challenges.

Partnerships with international organizations and donor agencies can be explored to access resources and expertise in climate adaptation and green job promotion.