2018-12-04 19:50 update: 2018-12-07, 11:53
Photo PAP/Andrzej Grygiel
Representatives of 45 countries taking part in the COP24 UN global climate summit in Katowice (southern Poland) adopted by acclamation the Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration, the summit's press office announced on Tuesday.
The declaration has been drafted by the Polish presidency. The document assumes the pursuit of goals related to climate protection while maintaining economic development and jobs in the spirit of the 'Solidarity' heritage.
The press office emphasised that the signing of the declaration was one of the key events at the Summit of heads of state and government.
"The signatories of the declaration confirm that social acceptance for change is of key importance for the successful building of a low-emission economy. This is why in the first place it is necessary to ensure the social safety of employees whose jobs will be liquidated or changed," reads the press release.
The declaration stresses that climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our times.
The document underscores the need to make the "transition towards low-greenhouse gas emission and climate resilient economies" in order to ensure high growth and sustainable development while maintaining a "just transition of the workforce."
The signatories acknowledge the special needs of developing countries - particularly those vulnerable to climate change - where lack of social safeguards seriously hinder a just transition.
The document says developing countries should be supported in their effort to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses and promote sustainable economic activities that will create high-quality jobs.
The signatories also stressed the importance of public support for the transition into low-emission economies, which calls for the provision of social security to workers whose jobs will be liquidated or transformed. (PAP)
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