The phase-out of coal as a source of energy is one of the most important strategies to reach the objectives of the Paris Agreement and protect the planet from global warming. Coal mining and coal-fired energy, however, have sustained national and global economies for many decades. Coal mining regions in particular, face significant challenges now that global and local climate commitments are calling for the end of coal. How can coal regions transform their economies in order to sustain local livelihoods, economic activities and jobs? How can these regions make sure that the transition from coal to other sources of livelihood is a just transition that leaves no one behind?

The Foundation Programme on the Just Energy Transition in Coal Mining Regions, offered in the framework of the project “Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition” (IKI-JET) aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in and around coal mining regions to work towards a just transition in these regions.

The foundation programme is designed for:

• National government representatives involved in the coal transition (Ministries of Labour, Planning, Mining, Finance, Economic Development, Women’s Affairs)
• Local government representatives in coal mining regions in Indonesia, India, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, and Viet Nam
• Private sector representatives, including employers’ organizations, nationally and in coal mining regions in Indonesia, India, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, and Viet Nam
• Workers’ representatives nationally and in coal mining regions in Indonesia, India, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, and Viet Nam
• Civil society organizations and academia involved in the coal transition

The Foundation Programme on the Just Energy Transition in Coal Mining Regions will provide stakeholders in and around coal mining regions with a basic understanding of the principles of just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies. Participants will get access to practical tools and receive guidance to work towards a just transition in coal mining regions. At the end of the programme, the participants will have the competencies to effectively participate in, and contribute to, local just transition planning processes.

The course will strengthen participants’ understanding of the role of social dialogue, stakeholder engagement and effective communication in advancing a just transition. Participants will analyse past and on-going experiences with coal phase out in countries around the world and extract lessons learnt. The programme will enhance their capacity to develop effective social dialogue and stakeholder engagement platforms in coal mining regions.

The following topics will be at the centre of discussion during the capacity-building programme:

• Climate change, climate policies employment and decent work
• The just transition: conceptual framework and policy guidance
• Just transition in coal regions: drivers and opportunities
• Just transition in coal regions: experiences and lessons learnt
• Social dialogue for a just transition
• Leaving no one behind: Gender equality and inclusion of vulnerable groups and persons in vulnerable situations
• Financing a just transition

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Better comprehend the principles of just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies
• Use practical tools and knowledge to effectively participate in, and contribute to, local just transition planning processes
• Develop effective social dialogue and stakeholder engagement platforms in coal mining regions

The course will span across 30 hours of learning through an online format that combines webinars with self-guided learning modules. It will adopt participatory and "learning-by-doing" methodologies based on case studies, reflections and exercises in teams, and scenario simulations. It will also implement pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs and interests of the participants.

The IKI-supported project “Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition” (IKI-JET) aims at supporting key stakeholder of coal regions to plan for and implement regional just energy transition pathways away from coal and towards a low-carbon energy system.

The Just Energy Transition in Coal Regions Interregional Platform (JET-CR Platform) forms part of IKI JET project. Through the JET-CR Platform, the consortium members offer different kind of support for coal regions, including the modular capacity development programmes described in this note.

The training programme serves both as a forum to further strengthen the JET-CR communities of practice and as a thematic introduction to further capacity building efforts.