Uzbekistan is advancing toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future through a new initiative focused on ensuring an inclusive and equitable energy transition. Backed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, ILO, and UNECE, the Promoting a Just Energy Transition (JET) project aims to embed social dialogue, equity, and climate justice at the heart of the country’s energy reforms. The initiative emphasizes that a shift to a green economy must be both environmentally sustainable and socially fair, engaging government institutions, workers, employers, and vulnerable groups in shaping the transition.
The project strengthens Uzbekistan’s regulatory and institutional capacity to address barriers to energy reform. It provides 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 outputs are expected to inform the social dimension of Uzbekistan’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and ensure that inclusivity, participation, and fairness are embedded in NDC 3.0 implementation.
By addressing systemic and capacity gaps, the initiative seeks to create an enabling environment for a fair energy transformation. It promotes improved policy frameworks, large-scale capacity building, and market-ready solutions that encourage innovation and strengthen business ecosystems. Central to the project is the focus on people: it aims to create green and decent jobs, expand social protection, and support workers, women, youth, and vulnerable communities throughout the transition.
The initiative aligns with regional priorities, contributing to UNECE’s Subprogramme 5: Sustainable Energy by advancing secure, affordable, and clean energy while reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. It also supports the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition, promoting methane recovery, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring social equity in coal-dependent communities. Approved by the UNECE Executive Committee in November 2024, the project marks a key step toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Uzbekistan.
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