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Our World, Our Work
Our World, Our Work
The global climate crisis is transforming the global economy, with implications for the future of work. This transformation, while leading to job loss and changes for some, also comes with a great economic opportunity: The International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts a net increase of at least 18 million jobs from the transition to clean energy and an additional 7 million jobs from the circular economy.
Young people around the world will inherit the results of economic decisions being made today, and given the myriad workforce challenges and barriers already facing our youth, especially those in under-resourced settings, their insights can help shape a brighter future.
We must act quickly to elevate their voices.
That’s why the Our World, Our Work initiative at EDC is responding with a youth-centered approach, advancing workforce development in the new green and blue economy that prioritizes the creation of new jobs (renewable energy, circularity and recycling of waste, and electric vehicle manufacturing) and the greening of existing jobs (climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fishing, regenerative forestry, retail services, and manufacturing).
We will focus on communities and youth most impacted by climate change, understand hyper-local labor market demands, and provide relevant skills training and entrepreneurship support. We will also deepen connections between the private sector, education institutions, and youth, and ensure youth are central in conversations about the future of work.
We plan to accomplish this goal by:
- Concentrating efforts on communities and youth whose environments and livelihoods are most impacted by climate change
- Understanding hyper-local labor market demands and translating national-level labor market assessments into actionable priorities at regional and local levels
- Providing relevant skills training and entrepreneurship support for youth at all skill levels
- Deepening connections between the private sector, education institutions, and youth
- Ensuring youth are central in conversations between government, the private sector, and civil society
- Strengthening youth-led and youth-serving organizations that can support and mentor the most underserved youth to engage in climate-responsive opportunities
- Supporting young women who are underrepresented in STEM pathways and occupations