COP21 - Paris 2015 The greening of economies presents many opportunities to achieve social objectives: it has the potential to be a new engine of growth, both in advanced and developing economies, and a net generator of decent, green jobs that can contribute significantly to poverty eradication and social inclusion. The greening of economies will enhance our ability to manage natural resources sustainably, increase energy efficiency and reduce waste, while addressing inequalities and enhancing resilience. The greening of jobs and the promotion of green jobs, both in traditional and emerging sectors, will foster a competitive, low-carbon, environmentally sustainable economy and patterns of sustainable consumption and production, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

This Guidelines are both a policy framework and a practical tool to help countries at all levels of development manage the transition to low-carbon economies and can also help them achieve their INDCs (‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Guidelines are designed to create decent work on a large scale and ensure that social protection exists where needed. They also include mechanisms for social dialogue among governments, workers and employers' organizations throughout policymaking processes at all levels. The guidelines envisage that coherent policies need to provide a just transition framework for all to promote the creation of more decent jobs, including as appropriate: anticipating impacts on employment, adequate and sustainable social protection for job losses and displacement, skills development and social dialogue, including the effective exercise of the right to organize and bargain collectively.