The principle of a just transition—a shift towards sustainability that doesn‘t leave workers or communities behind—has gained widespread acceptance. But how have just transition measures been implemented in practice around the world until now? And what lessons can be drawn from current policy development processes? On 20 May 2026, the Expert Exchange “How to translate just transition principles into policy frameworks”, organised under the Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project, brought together experts from the Independent Research Institute Mongolia, the University of Cape Town (South Africa), Dala Institute (Indonesia), and the Wuppertal Institute (Germany) to share insights from their respective fields of expertise and country experiences.  

Research insights 

To frame the discussion, Jannis Beutel presented findings from the newly published second edition of Wuppertal Institute’s flagship report “Just Transition Toolbox for Coal Regions. The toolbox, first published in 2022, compiles guidance, best-practice examples, and lessons learned from coal regions around the world to support practitioners as they navigate the transition away from coal. The second edition includes new chapters on repurposing the coal infrastructure and on economic diversification, while drawing lessons from the real experiences of regions that have been implementing the principles of a just transition in recent years.  

Beutel stressed that one of the most important levers for advancing the implementation of a just transition is to institutionalise governance coordination mechanisms as a way of managing the complexity of just transition across branches and levels of government. For policy frameworks, a spatial perspective can help to address and mediate between conflicting targets. Furthermore, he stated that changing fiscal frameworks so that savings are directed into just transition measures rather than relying on public grants could help to close gaps in financing. 

Although the participants saw the insights from the analysis of policy frameworks and their implementation processes as helpful, it was noted that solutions must be tailored to fit each country context. Balgis Inayah, from the Dala Institute, pointed out that in Indonesia, for instance, there is currently no overarching just transition framework. Instead, actions have focused on just energy transition aspects—for example, through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) process. However, she also said that recent steps to develop a just energy transition framework under the supervision of Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), alongside institutionalising transition coordination mechanisms in coal regions under regional consultation forums, are a step in the right direction, despite budget restrictions hindering wider support for affected regions and more systemic implementation of just transition measures. 

Similar reflections were shared by Tselmegsaikhan Lkhagba of the Independent Research Institute Mongolia, who is the lead author of a just transition framework assessment report for Mongolia. According to her observations, national authorities are generally willing to integrate just transition principles into policy, and there is consensus among stakeholders that a just transition is needed; but the process is still in its very early stages. Aside from individual projects (for example, on sustainable heating, developing renewable energy, and raising awareness), the main drivers pushing the integration of just transition measures into policy are international cooperation actors. Lkhagba expressed hope that the just transition white paper can serve as a blueprint for a national policy framework on just transition or the integration of its cornerstones into long-term development plans in the future.  

Louise Naude of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, conceptualised the challenges of just transition into three arenas:  

• Mass mobilisation: encouraging all parts of society to engage in the transition process 

• Economic transformation: diversifying coal regions, reskilling workers, phasing in renewables, and so on 

• Justice: distributional justice, recognitional justice, procedural justice, and restorative justice 

Naude said that in South Africa, strong trade unions, engagement from local communities, and a culture of worker participation were helpful preconditions for securing top-down backing for working towards a just transition and for building a good foundation for an inclusive approach to the transition, as institutionalised through the Presidential Climate Commission. Despite consensus on the need for a just transition across the political spectrum, however, a section of the political landscape was slowing the initially ambitious phase-out plans for fossil fuel use and instead pushing for “clean coal,” natural gas, and nuclear power as alternatives. Over time, the political priorities have changed and high-profile political support has dwindled.  

Key takeaways 

• Political momentum for the just transition requires an enabler. This could be the government, the finance sector, affected communities, international cooperation, or a combination of these. Putting just transition on the political agenda across sectors and ministries is key to achieving ambitions. 

• Progress towards a just transition happens in phases. In some phases, countries show ambition and make a strong commitment to just transition principles; in other phases, there is backlash. In times of backlash, ambitions should not be watered down but should stay consistent. 

• Insufficient funding for just transition is still a major obstacle. National and international financing of just transitions must increase to meet the targets of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and just transition agreements. Increasing funding is also an opportunity to create renewed political momentum. 

Speakers

Jannis Beutel (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Germany)

Balgis Inayah (Dala Institute, Indonesia)

Tselmegsaikhan Lkhagba (Independent Research Institute Mongolia)

Louise Naude (University of Cape Town, South Africa)

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