Minister Kurtyka at the meeting of the Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions
16.03.2021
The implementation of the energy transition with the simultaneous reduction of its negative impact on citizens, is the main objective of the actions carried out by the International Energy Agency Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. The first meeting of the commission held on 15 March 2021 was chaired by Dan Jørgensen, Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities. During the meeting, Polish Minister of Climate and Environment, Michał Kurtyka, presented the social context of Poland’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
For many years Poland has been talking about the need for a fair energy transition. The Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration signed by 50 countries at the COP24 in Katowice, is a proof of Poland’s engagement in the social aspects of transformation. Signing of the Declaration was an important step toward including social topics to the mainstream of the global climate policy. The issue of just transition is also constantly present in the dialogue with the European Union. As a result of these discussions, the European Commission has proposed to establish the Just Transition Fund, which is an indispensable element of the EU strategy to achieve climate neutrality in a way sustainable for both the economy and citizens.
When we talk about a fair transition, we must not forget the concept of solidarity, which is clearly referred to in the declaration signed at COP24 in Katowice. In this context, solidarity is the basis for a just transition, which should be based on five pillars: 1) creating new jobs, 2) new technologies and their implementation, 3) sustainable financing, 4) protecting the poorest and 5) sharing new technologies and best practices, said Minister Michał Kurtyka.
In order to implement the social changes resulting from moving toward a low-carbon economy, it will also be necessary to develop new professional competences through investment in competence centres. Moreover, Poland supports a human-centred transformation by involving various stakeholders in the promotion of eco-cities, climate risk assessment, as well as planning and implementation of various projects.
The main objective of the Global Commission is to provide recommendations based on its work prior to COP26 in Glasgow. To this end, 26 members of the commission representing positions from countries around the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia and Middle East, together with workers' and youth organisations, will hold two more meetings in June and October. The work of the Global Commission will focus not only on the experiences of its member states, but will also bring together a wide range of stakeholders with a view to supportive and just transition.