Advancing a “Just” Business Role in Net-Zero Transitions: Insights from Emerging and Developing Economies

Date and Time

November 20, 2024
11:30 am-1:00 pm

Location

South African Pavilion, Baku, Azerbaijan

Topic

Climate Change

The concept of the just transition emphasizes the need for a fair and inclusive shift toward a low-carbon economy while ensuring that no one is left behind. As the world grapples with the impacts of the climate crisis, it is crucial to recognize the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging and developing economies (EMDEs). These nations often bear the brunt of climate-induced impacts despite contributing the least to global emissions. At the same time, transitions to a low-carbon economy in EMDEs also seek to use decarbonization as an opportunity to address issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and limited access to resources, while also leveraging opportunities for sustainable development, investment, and economic diversification.

In this context, businesses play a pivotal role in achieving net zero by 2050, not only as drivers of economic growth and green investment but also as key actors in ensuring respect for human rights and fostering social equity and environmental sustainability throughout their transition activities. Business brings significant potential to create quality green jobs, invest in renewable energy growth, and support community resilience, but must also ensure that the social trade-offs and challenges of climate action are managed well, and harms are prevented, mitigated, and remediated along the way.

Hosted by IHRB, BSR, the B Team, NBI, and the We Mean Business Coalition, this event will bring together speakers to share perspectives on the just transition from EMDEs, including how they are approaching the just transition.

Agenda:

• Opening Remarks: Introduction by a moderator, outlining the objectives and importance of the discussion. (5 mins)
• Panel Presentations: Short presentations by business leaders, policymakers, and experts from the Global South. (45 mins)
• Discussion: Interactive discussion among participants, focusing on key points and sharing experiences. (20 mins)
• Q&A Session: Open floor for questions and comments from the audience. (15 mins)
• Closing Remarks: Summary of key takeaways and recommendations for future actions. (5 mins)

Scheduled Speakers

• Haley St. Dennis, Head of Just Transitions, IHRB
• Anine Bundgård, Manager, Climate Change, BSR
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Anine Bundgård
Manager, Climate Change, BSR
Copenhagen
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Anine works with BSR member companies across industries on sustainability management with a focus on the intersection of climate change and people, namely climate justice, just transition, and climate and human rights. She supports this work through one-on-one advisory engagement with companies, through facilitation of cross-sector collaborative initiatives like Transform to Net Zero, and through grant-funded resource development.
Prior to joining BSR, Anine worked at Operate A/S, a Danish consulting company, specializing in stakeholder analysis, stakeholder mapping, and stakeholder engagement.
Anine holds a MSc in Business and Development Studies from Copenhagen Business School with a focus on sustainable development and cross-sector collaboration. She also holds a BSc in Business, Language, and Culture, also from Copenhagen Business School.
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