Financing a just transition
Photo © Abhishek Kirloskar
Financing a just transition
Financial sector strategies and approaches to promote an inclusive climate transition
5–9 October 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
In the face of mounting environmental pressures and widening social inequalities, the need for financing models that support fair, inclusive, and sustainable economic transitions has never been more urgent. Financial institutions are increasingly expected to integrate these dimensions into core business and risk management practices, in line with evolving regulatory landscape and market expectations, voiced via frameworks and initiatives such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD). This course is designed to empower professionals across sectors to understand and harness the potential of sustainable finance to drive inclusive and equitable change, while strengthening institutional capacity to respond to these expectations, deploy capital effectively in the real economy and capture new business opportunities.
Who attends this course?
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals working at the intersection of finance, sustainability and development seeking to operationalize just transition financing for real economy impact, including: - Staff from sustainability, ESG, and impact teams within financial institutions, investors and philanthropic foundations (including risk, strategy, investment, stewardship and client-facing functions) - Development practitioners and UN agency staff - Government officials - Members of workers', employers' and civil society organizations - Researchers working on just transition and sustainable finance
What will you learn?
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the policy and institutional landscape of just transition finance: main stakeholders and the social dimensions of a low-carbon transition, relevant international frameworks, agreements and implications for the financial sector, including expectations on transition plans and supply chain due diligence.
- Identify different types of financial actors and instruments and match them to specific just transition financing needs.
- Examine the roles and levers of financial institutions in enabling a just transition through their products, due-diligence, decision-making, engagement practices and partnerships based on real-life case studies.
- Learn about a range of financial strategies, instruments, and approaches, including bonds, loans, blended finance mechanisms, and ESG frameworks, that can support just transition objectives and respond to growing investor and regulatory scrutiny on social and human capital factors and their financial materiality.
- Analyze real-world case studies from leading banks, investors, insurers, and development finance institutions to understand how just transition principles are applied in practice via integration into products, risk frameworks, investment processes and transition strategies.
- Apply these insights through a course-long group exercise, working collaboratively to assess financing needs, identify relevant social considerations, and design partnerships for a just transition.
Course content
The course is structured around four thematic modules, complemented by a final day dedicated to peer learning, knowledge sharing, and networking. Sessions will combine technical presentations, expert interventions, interactive discussions and group work, with a strong focus on practical tools and use cases for financial institutions, including methodologies, metrics and emerging practices.
Module 1: Foundations of a just transition
This module introduces the core concepts of a just transition and their relevance in today’s global context. Participants will explore key international frameworks, policy tools, and institutional actors and explore social considerations of the climate transition. The group project, which runs throughout the course, will also be introduced.
Module 2: The finance landscape for a just transition
This module provides an overview of the financial architecture supporting just transition goals. It introduces different financial actors and instruments and discusses financial regulations and standards.
Module 3: Private financial sector engagement
This module focuses on the role and levers of financial institutions—such as banks, investors, and insurers—in supporting a just transition. It explores how financial actors can incorporate social and environmental considerations, including human and labour rights, into their operations, investment strategies, risk assessments and engagement strategies. Participants will also examine practical examples of financial instruments and partnerships used in this space.
Module 4: Partnerships and mobilizing capital
This module highlights how collaboration across sectors and institutions can enhance the effectiveness of just transition finance. Participants will explore different financing models, including blended finance, and learn about initiatives that have successfully mobilized capital for inclusive and sustainable development.
Consolidation and knowledge fair
The final day offers space for participants to present their group project work, share insights, and reflect on key lessons. A knowledge fair and networking session will offer space to exchange resources, tools, and contacts with peers and experts.
The course will feature expert contributions and real-world case studies from pioneering financial institutions, development finance actors and standard-setting bodies shaping the future of just transition finance.
Certificate
Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion of the course.
About the co-organizers
ITC-ILO
The International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization provides professional learning to support decent work and social justice worldwide.
ILO Social Finance Programme
This programme promotes inclusive financial systems that contribute to decent work, social inclusion, and resilience.
UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
A global partnership between the United Nations and the financial sector, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and responsible investment across banking, insurance, and investment industries.
The course will also feature expert contributions and real-world case studies from pioneering financial institutions, development finance actors, and standard-setting bodies shaping the future of just transition finance.
Contact
Contact the ITCILO: mmw@itcilo.org for any question you may have.
Course manager: Ms. Margarita Lalayan, m.lalayan@itcilo.org at Sustainable Enterprises and Economies (SEE) programme
ITC ILO Programme in Social Finance
- If you wish to receive updates on Social Finance training programmes of the ITC ILO, sign up for the news here choosing Social Finance from the list of suggested themes.
The ITC ILO portfolio of courses on Social Finance theme is available on the ITC ILO Social Finance page
