What's Happening?
The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) organized an international dialogue titled 'Global Green Skills Demand – Collaboration for Bridging the Skilled Workforce Gap' during the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) in Busan. The event gathered representatives from governments, multilateral institutions, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to discuss the challenges of developing a skilled, mobile, and inclusive workforce for the clean energy sector. Key topics included aligning workforce development with advanced clean energy manufacturing, research and development, and automation. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of creating inclusive strategies to provide opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
Why It's Important?
The dialogue is significant as it addresses the urgent need for a skilled workforce in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, which currently employs over 16.2 million people worldwide. This number is expected to exceed 38 million by 2030, highlighting the necessity for coordinated global action and harmonized skills frameworks. The discussions at CEM16 aim to ensure that workforce development keeps pace with the sector's growth, promoting people-centered policies and inclusive strategies. This is crucial for supporting the transition to clean energy and ensuring that the benefits of this transition are widely shared across different communities.
What's Next?
NSEFI plans to continue its efforts by establishing a Center of Excellence in Clean Energy, which will focus on delivering employment-ready skills for both blue- and white-collar workers in the renewable sector. This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to play a leading role in shaping the global green workforce. The center will contribute to building resilient skilling ecosystems, particularly in low-income and emerging economies, and support reskilling initiatives in industrial clusters and coal-dependent regions.
Beyond the Headlines
The dialogue also explored the integration of circular economy expertise for recycling and end-of-life management of clean energy infrastructure. This aspect is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the clean energy transition, as it addresses the environmental impact of renewable energy technologies. By embedding circular economy principles, stakeholders can enhance the long-term viability of clean energy solutions and reduce waste.
