Denmark to lead new global energy commission on just transition

The International Energy Agency’s new global commission ‘Our Inclusive Energy Future: The Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions’ will identify and examine the most important economic and social impacts caused by the green transition. For example, the commission will look into challenges of employment, energy access and affordability, public support and social inclusion.

The Danish lead commission will bring together government leaders, ministers and prominent scientists to explore how best to empower citizens around the world to benefit from the opportunities and navigate the challenges resulting from clean energy transition.

”I am very pleased to see that the IEA, under the leadership of Dr. Fatih Birol, has been strengthening its focus on green energy transition and now on just transition. Therefore, I am proud to lead the work in this new global commission and thereby help to ensure a just transition to more renewable energy around the world. International collaboration as well as social fairness is at the heart of the Danish government. This new commission is an important contribution to secure an inclusive global energy system and put people at the heart of clean energy transitions. We have to act now to fight climate change, but we will only succeed if we are able to inspire and include people in a socially balanced way”, says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jørgensen.

“While clean energy transitions are gaining significant momentum, it is essential to their success that they be inclusive and centred around people. Many countries are now focusing on this issue and seeking opportunities to exchange ideas and advice. The high-level members of our Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions will lead a global dialogue to share experiences and enhance best practice. Denmark has already shown clear global leadership on this issue, and that is why I am delighted and honoured that Prime Minister Frederiksen has agreed to be the Honorary Patron of the Commission and that Minister Jørgensen has agreed to chair it,” Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Dr. Fatih Birol, says.

The global commission will consist of 20-25 people, including ministers and leaders of relevant international organisations. The first meeting is scheduled for March and the commission’s meetings will result in key recommendations in advance of COP26 in November.

Facts about the commission

• IEA’s new global commission ‘Our Inclusive Energy Future: The Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions’ will examine the most important economic and social impacts caused by the green transition.
• Among the focus areas are the socio-economic impacts and equity (employment and resource shifts, distribution effects, energy access and affordability) as well as participation and inclusion (public support and acceptance, gender and social inclusion effects and behaviour change).
• Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jørgensen will chair the global commission, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be Honorary Patron of the commission.