As Uzbekistan charts a path toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, a new joint initiative is ensuring that no one is left behind in the process.
Backed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by the UNDP, ILO, and UNECE, the project on Promoting a Just Energy Transition (JET) seeks to create an inclusive and sustainable energy future by embedding social dialogue, equity, and climate justice at the heart of reform.
Recognizing that the shift to a green economy must also be fair, the project brings together government institutions, workers, employers, and vulnerable groups to shape a transition that is both environmentally and socially responsible.
Building the Foundations for a Just Transition
The initiative will strengthen Uzbekistan’s regulatory and institutional capacity to identify and address barriers to energy reform. It will provide concrete guidance on integrating Just Transition principles into the country’s low-carbon energy strategy, energy tariff reforms, and the development of a national action plan on Just Energy Transition.
These deliverables will inform the social dimension of Uzbekistan’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and embed the principles of inclusivity, participation, and fairness in its NDC 3.0 implementation.
By addressing systemic and capacity gaps, the project aims to establish an enabling environment for a fair energy transformation driven by improved policy frameworks, large-scale capacity building, and market-ready solutions that foster innovation and strengthen business ecosystems.
At its core, the project is about people. By promoting the creation of green and decent jobs, expanding social protection, and ensuring the formalization of work, it seeks to support workers, women, youth, and vulnerable communities throughout the transition.
Aligned with Regional Priorities
The project also contributes directly to UNECE’s Subprogramme 5: Sustainable Energy, supporting the goal of secure, affordable, and clean energy for all while reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector.
It aligns with the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition, advancing efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, recover methane for safer mining operations, and ensure social equity across coal-dependent communities.
Approved by the UNECE Executive Committee in November 2024, the initiative will be implemented in line with the 2024–2025 Work Plan of the Group of Experts, marking a decisive step toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Uzbekistan.
See also
Launching ceremony of the joint project Promoting Just Energy Transition in Uzbekistan
Foresight Workshop: Co-Designing the Just Energy Transition Roadmap for Uzbekistan
Original article: https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/promoting-just-energy-transition-uzbekistan
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
