People at the centre of change: the role of Just transition in the NDC

The analysis focuses on the concept of Just Transition in the context of global and Ukrainian climate policy. It explores how this approach can serve as a key tool for ensuring social equity during the shift to a low-carbon economy. Particular attention is given to the Ukrainian context, where russia’s military aggression has deepened socio-economic crises, especially in coal-dependent regions. The publication emphasizes the importance of integrating Just Transition principles into long-term climate policy planning, including the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through 2035.

The aim of the analysis is to examine international experience in implementing Just Transition, assess its development in Ukraine, and provide recommendations for effectively integrating this concept into Ukraine’s climate policy.

The analysis was prepared within the framework of the EU4ClimateResilience| Decarbonisation and Climate Resilience in the Eastern Partnership countries. Implementing partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on behalf of the European Union and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV).