The United Arab Emirates’ Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) has emerged as a major focus at the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) held in Bonn, Germany, from June 16 to 26, 2025. The programme’s broad scope and cross-sectoral relevance have made it one of the most debated issues at the conference, as countries seek to shape a fair transition towards low-carbon economies.
The JTWP, launched at COP28 in the UAE, is currently under negotiation with the aim of finalising recommendations for adoption at COP30 later this year in Belém, Brazil. Discussions at SB62 are meant to clarify the programme’s objectives, implementation methods, and support mechanisms, with the goal of ensuring that climate action contributes to economic and social equity.
In the first week of talks, the co-facilitators introduced the COP29 presidency’s draft text as a starting point. They outlined seven potential elements for shaping the future decision, including ways to integrate the JTWP into the broader UNFCCC framework, ensure operational clarity, and provide support for countries pursuing just transition pathways.
Negotiations, however, revealed sharp differences among participating countries. Developing nations, led by the G77 and China, stressed that unilateral trade measures (UTMs) must be addressed within the JTWP. They argued such measures could undermine their economic growth and poverty reduction efforts. These countries maintained that just transition solutions should respect national circumstances and adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The group also called for stronger commitments from developed countries in providing financial and technological support.
Russia stood apart as the only developed country backing the developing bloc’s opposition to UTMs, while other industrialised nations, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, emphasised that the JTWP should directly support the global target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. These countries argued that national plans, such as NDCs and adaptation strategies, must embed just transition elements throughout both planning and implementation stages.
Regional groups added their perspectives as well. The African Group highlighted the need for affordable energy, clean cooking technologies, and job creation. The Least Developed Countries pressed for debt restructuring to be reflected in the programme. Meanwhile, the Like-Minded Developing Countries insisted that each nation’s pathway to transition remain self-determined and requested that financial commitments from developed nations, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, be clearly recognised.
Despite the progress in refining draft texts, key disagreements persist, especially around the role of UTMs. These divisions could shape the pace and success of finalising the JTWP for COP30. Disputes over the extent and nature of financial transfers from developed to developing countries also remain central to the ongoing discussions.
As negotiations enter the final week, achieving a balanced and inclusive outcome will depend on the willingness of parties to reconcile their divergent priorities. Without such compromise, the JTWP risks becoming yet another unresolved element in the global climate governance framework, reflecting the persistent gap between developed and developing world interests.