Lima, March 19, 2021. This week, with the support of the International Labor Organization – ILO and the United Nations in Peru, GGGI held an online event to discuss green jobs in the context of COVID recovery, the opportunities they offer, and to facilitate a conversation between the representatives of the political parties Fuerza Popular, Juntos por Perú, Partido Morado, Podemos Perú and Victoria Nacional, in which they shared and discussed how their government plans are aligned with the concept of green jobs. These parties represent the top contenders for the Presidential election in April, and the webinar’s objective was to place green jobs and their role in economic reactivation in the spotlight for the election cycle.

During his opening remarks, Aaron Drayer, GGGI Peru Country Representative, emphasized that now is the time not only to resume activities, but to do things better. “With the new government, it will be time to look towards the future and prioritize initiatives that not only create jobs but also create opportunities for innovation”, stressed Drayer while urging the political parties to consider an approach that highlights the importance of green jobs in the economic recovery.

For their part, John Bliek and Ana Sánchez, ILO specialists, offered a labour overview in the context of COVID-19, explaining the conceptualization of the term ‘green jobs’ and how the just transition agenda can be included in the generation of these types of jobs. “The transition to a green economy could generate up to 15 million net new jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean. (…) However, to obtain a just transition that leaves no one behind, it will be necessary to count on the constant participation of all the actors in the employment world: unions, employers’ organizations, and the government”, emphasized Bliek.

From GGGI Peru, Paola Córdova highlighted the importance of prioritizing sectors and economic activities that generate resilience for the populations most vulnerable to climate change, such as climate-smart agriculture, sustainable tourism, and green construction in an innovative and inclusive way. Córdova also presented case studies from Colombia and Costa Rica regarding their models of green and inclusive economic reactivation in the face of the health crisis. “The generation of green jobs requires a systematic approach that considers a gender and social inclusion perspective, as well as the potential of value chains, the promotion of new technologies and support for MSMEs,” added the GGGI Senior Officer.

Among the proposals and topics most highlighted by the representatives of the participating political parties were the proper management of solid waste, support for companies that include circular economy as a fundamental part of their business model, as well as  the implementation of clean and renewable energies as responses to Peru’s vulnerability to climate change.

You can watch the full event here. (Available in Spanish)