Promoting Inclusive Just Energy Transitions: Pathways to Equity and Sustainability

The transition to sustainable energy systems must be just and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including women, youth, Indigenous communities, and workers in carbon-intensive industries, are not left behind. This policy brief examines the challenges and opportunities of advancing an inclusive, just energy transition in developing economies. It highlights how policies can be structured to integrate social equity with economic and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Group of Twenty (G20) priorities on climate action and sustainable development. 

Drawing on case studies from South Africa, Indonesia, and Colombia, this brief explores best practices and innovative policy mechanisms. In South Africa, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) demonstrates how multilateral financing can support coal-dependent communities through green job creation. Indonesia’s transition strategies highlight the role of social protection policies in mitigating employment losses in fossil fuel industries. Colombia’s participatory governance model in renewable energy projects showcases the importance of community-driven decision-making to enhance inclusivity and local benefits. 

The relevance of these case studies to the G20 agenda lies in their alignment with global climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Key contributions include identifying best practices for integrating social protection mechanisms into energy policies, fostering public–private partnerships for inclusive energy transitions, and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance access to renewable energy.

Based on the aforementioned insights, we propose policy recommendations focusing on (1) targeted financial mechanisms to support marginalised groups, (2) capacity-building initiatives for reskilling workers in the fossil fuel sector, and (3) inclusive governance structures that ensure meaningful civic participation. These recommendations strengthen the G20’s role in promoting equitable and sustainable energy transitions across the Global South. The recommendations aim to inform G20 policy frameworks by presenting a holistic approach to energy transitions that balances environmental imperatives with socio-economic equity.

Keywords: Energy Policies, G20, Inclusivity, Innovative Policies, South Africa