“Green Light for Green Jobs” – Employers Symposium

This symposium was held on 30th June 2011 for members of the Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC)to raise awareness on the concept of green jobs, to brief them on a proposed green initiative mapping exercise and to build capacities within the EFC (professional staff and organisations in the membership of the EFC).

During the ILO Green Jobs Conference in Sri Lanka it transpired that many private sector entities in Sri Lanka already have comprehensive green initiatives in place. Thus, at the conclusion of this conference a “Way Forward” was identified for Sri Lanka. In this process the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) recognised the need for a mapping exercise of already existing green initiatives and their linkages to employment. The concept of ‘Green Jobs’ is relatively new to businesses in Sri Lanka. Therefore there is a dearth of information on green jobs initiatives already undertaken by businesses. Developing an information infrastructure is a prerequisite for building knowledge and for enhancing the capacity of stakeholders to use knowledge for environmental sustainability and promote decent work within the business sector in Sri Lanka. The availability, accessibility, and credibility of environmental data are essential in a transition to a green economy and the elements of decent work critical to ensure that this transition is sustainable and socially just.

Industry specialists were invited to make technical presentations to share experiences with participants at this symposium. Over 10% of the EFC membership will initially subscribe to a mapping exercise of green initiatives undertaken by private sector and most of them were present at the workshop.

Mr. Vincent Jugault, Senior Specialist in Environment and Decent Work, ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, was also present to provide technical input.