Policy Dialogue: Social dialogue for a just transition in coal mining regions

The transition away from coal presents both pressing challenges and transformative opportunities for countries that depend on coal for energy and employment. In coal-dependent economies such as Indonesia and South Africa, achieving a just energy transition means not only reducing emissions but also safeguarding livelihoods; promoting social inclusion, decent jobs, and sustainable enterprises; and creating new pathways for sustainable development.

Recognising the need for a dialogue to explore pathways to a just energy transition, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), in collaboration with the Presidential Climate Commission; the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa; Ministries of National Development Planning; and the Ministry of Finance in Indonesia, is facilitating a virtual policy dialogue series to bring together policy-makers and practitioners from South Africa, Indonesia, and other G20 countries during South Africa’s G20 presidency.

The second dialogue, Social dialogue for a just transition in coal mining regions, is scheduled for 7 August 2025.

The series kicked off on 3 July 2025 with Just transition in coal mining regions in Indonesia and South Africa, a G20 side event co-organised with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Through the dialogue series, participants will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss how coal-dependent economies like Indonesia and South Africa are working to reduce emissions while also protecting livelihoods, fostering social inclusion, creating decent jobs, and promoting sustainable enterprises.

The five 90-minute dialogues will take place each first Thursday of the month at 09:00 Johannesburg time, 14:00 Jakarta time.

This dialogue series builds on International Labour Organization (ILO) work under the PAGE, supporting the Government of South Africa in advancing the just energy transition. It also builds on work done by the ILO in Indonesia under the framework of the Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI-JET) project.

Find out more about the policy dialogue series here.