Climate change has diverse effects on human development. However, supporting human development is vital to address climate change and adapt to its impacts, as it means healthier, more resilient, better educated, and skilled populations and communities that can contribute to climate action.

 Past COPs have made separate progress on issues related to human development. However, this year, the COP29 Presidency hosted the first holistic Human Development Day to bring together these interrelated issues and support them with commensurate financing and multi-faceted policy approaches. 

Moreover, representatives of international organizations, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and international climate and environmental funds endorsed the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience.

This signals the urgent need to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on human development and acknowledge the significance of a multi-sectoral approach in tackling these challenges. Further, advancing the agenda on Human Development for Climate Resilience, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience will harmonize action across education, health, jobs and skills, and children and youth, to enhance ambition and elevate action and will be guided by 12 principles. These principles are not legally binding but are intended to inspire and influence actions related to human development.

1. Align Climate Action with Human Development
   Policies must prioritize education, health, and social protection, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and youth. By linking these priorities to climate objectives, nations can create quality jobs and foster just transitions to green economies.
2. Enhance Social Dialogue and Partnerships
   Effective climate policies rely on collaboration among governments, employers, civil society, and youth. Synergies among stakeholders ensure collective progress in education, health, and decent work.
3. Integrate Quality Climate Education
   From early childhood to higher education, climate literacy must be embedded across curriculums. Equipping learners with knowledge and values ensures informed, climate-resilient societies.
4. Build Resilient Education Systems
   Strengthening schools and educational infrastructure protects learning continuity during climate crises and reduces the sector’s carbon footprint through green investments.
5. Green Skills for Priority Sectors
   As economies shift, workers need reskilling for green jobs in agriculture, transport, and construction. Collaboration with industries will close gender gaps and foster decarbonized growth.
6. Promote Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship
   Investing in clean technologies and empowering green enterprises, especially for youth and women, will drive sustainable job creation and innovative solutions.
7. Strengthen Climate and Health Systems
   Early warning systems integrating meteorological and health data can mitigate climate-sensitive health risks, such as heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases.
8. Resilient and Low-Carbon Health Systems
   Decarbonizing healthcare facilities while increasing energy access ensures they remain functional during crises and reduces environmental waste from pharmaceuticals and supply chains.
9. Focus on Children’s Vulnerabilities
   Child-centered climate policies safeguard access to essential services like healthcare, education, and sanitation, ensuring future generations thrive despite climate challenges.
10. Strengthen Social Protection
    Universal social protection systems must adapt to climate risks, offering income security, education, and health support to vulnerable communities during climate shocks.
11. Support Communities and Migrants
    Adapting to climate-induced displacement involves investing in education and work opportunities while facilitating safe migration paths and inclusive policies.
12. Innovative Financing for Resilience
    Public-private partnerships and gender-sensitive financing are vital to scaling up sustainable solutions and ensuring equitable access to quality education, jobs, and healthcare.

During the high-level Panel on Raising Human Capital for a Green Future, panelists which included Tarja Kaarina Halonen, 11th President of Finland (2000-2012); Dr Fariz Ismailzadeh, Director of the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD), and UNICEF Regional Advisor on Sustainability and Climate for Eastern Europe and Central Asia among others; emphasized the need for innovative solutions and support for sustainable economies, given the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change. They stressed the importance of equipping future generations with the necessary knowledge, skills, and environmental awareness to address these issues.

“By focusing on education and capacity building, young people can be empowered to contribute to a sustainable future and lead the green transition,” said Dr Fariz Ismailzadeh, Director of the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD).