Advancing green transition for the regional economy
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) must strengthen investments in green industries, align skills development with labor market needs, and mobilize adequate resources to turn regional commitments into decent work opportunities.
These priorities emerged from discussions at the 2026 Asean Green Jobs Forum on Oct. 20, underscoring the need for concrete actions to advance a green transition that protects workers’ rights while promoting environmental sustainability.
The two-day forum recently concluded in Makati City with delegates identifying recommendations to advance the Asean Framework and Action Plan for a “Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs 2025-2030” and ensure that the shift to a greener economy benefits workers, enterprises, and communities.
Under the theme, “Creating Green Jobs, Building Future Skills: Transforming Aseam’s Economies and Workforce for a Just and Inclusive Future,” the forum explored ways to strengthen regional cooperation and translate green transition commitments into concrete employment opportunities while protecting workers’ rights and livelihoods.
In her closing message, Labor Undersecretary Carmela Torres emphasized that the region’s green transition must create decent work while protecting workers whose jobs and livelihoods may be affected by economic and environmental changes.
“Our core responsibility is to ensure that this transition creates decent work opportunities for our people, while providing a social protection floor to those whose jobs and livelihoods may be affected,” Torres said.
She highlighted that the need for green transition is not solely an environmental concern, but also an economic and labor issue that shapes how enterprises operate and how workers earn their livelihoods.
“By 2030 we should be able to demonstrate progress in creating green jobs, preparing workers for changing labor markets, and ensuring that the benefits of transition are shared more broadly,” she added.
Torres underscored that the transition must advance decent work and provide meaningful opportunities for both formal and informal workers, ensuring that no one is left behind.
To translate regional commitments into action, she outlined three priorities that emerged from the forum’s discussions: directing investments toward industries that generate green jobs; strengthening the link between employment and skills development; and providing the financing, technical assistance, and resources needed to implement the Asean Framework and Action Plan.
Meeting standards
As part of efforts to advance regional implementation, the Philippines expressed support for technical cooperation, particularly the mutual recognition of green skills, and the importance of the establishment of an Asean Green Jobs Center of Excellence to help member states develop and implement policies that support the transition.
Under the Asean Framework and Action Plan, green jobs are defined as jobs that substantially contribute to improving environmental quality, whether in emerging industries or traditional sectors undergoing transformation.
At the same time, these jobs must also meet the standards of decent work, including adequate wages, safe working conditions, social protection, social dialogue, and respect for workers’ rights.
Held under the Philippines’ Asean Chairship, the forum provided a platform for governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, training institutions, MSMEs, development partners, and civil society organizations to exchange policies, programs, and best practices for greening industries while expanding decent work opportunities.
The forum was organized in collaboration with the Government of Australia through the Australia for Asean Future Initiatives and the Asean Secretariat.
The initiative supports the thrust of the Marcos administration to expand employment and livelihood opportunities and strengthening the skills of Filipino workers amid rapid changes in industries and technology.
