Just Transition is the notion that a green transition must take into account intersectional socio-economic imperatives in order to bring forth a future that is both fair and sustainable for everyone. The ongoing climate, political, economic and social crises across the Middle East and North Africa have made such a process an absolute necessity.

The existing climate finance systems have fallen short of adressing the unique needs of the populations in the Middle East. This discrepancy is clear as the climate funding allocated to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the past two decades has been insufficient as well as geared towards large infrastructure projects that often sideline the most vulnerable groups. 

Similarly, the scope of the new Loss and Damage fund which has been established under the trusteeship of the World Bank, remains unclear, and the extent to which it can help contribute to a Just Environmental Transition in the region is uncertain. 

Other questions about its funding also remain. Would the World Bank, which has its own interests and objectives, be able to guide this fund in a way that is satisfactory to the aspirations of the people and governments in the region? What would be the role of the European Union with regards to this? How would fragile countries with weak governance and high-levels of debt receive support to adapt and mitigate effects of climate change?

The side event will provide a platform for collaboration among diverse stakeholders by sharing experiences and perspectives on climate finance, loss and damage and just transition.

Moderator: Sarine Karajerjian, director of the Environmental Politics Program at the Arab Reform Initiative

Panelists: 

• Amjad Bany Issa, Project Coordinator, Green Generation Foundation
• Yasmina al Amine, PhD Candidate, University College London
• Wafa Hmadi, Member, Tunisian Young Climate Change Negotiators group
• Musaed Aklan, Senior Researcher, Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies