DILI, Timor-Leste – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its research and advocacy arm, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), joined regional stakeholders in advancing policy dialogues on climate finance and just transition initiatives during the “Insular Southeast Asia Dialogue on Climate Finance and Just Transition in ASEAN” held on 14–15 May 2026 at JL World Hotel in Dili, Timor-Leste.

Representing the Institute was Ms. Athena Mari E. Son, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of the Employment Research Division.

The dialogue convened representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States, government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), development partners, climate finance and sustainability advocates, and other stakeholders engaged in climate action and just transition initiatives across Southeast Asia.

The regional dialogue aimed to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN stakeholders and deepen discussions on climate finance, sustainable development, and just transition pathways in the region. It also served as a platform for participants to exchange experiences, identify challenges and opportunities, and share good practices in accessing climate finance while promoting inclusive, rights-based, and people-centered approaches to climate transition initiatives.

Over the two-day event, participant engaged in keynote presentations, plenary discussions, and breakout sessions focused on advancing climate finance accessibility and just transition efforts in the Southeast Asia.

The dialogue underscored the growing important of inclusive and sustainable climate policies in address the interconnected environmental, economic, and labor challenges, confronting the region. The discussion also explored the synergies between just transition and nature-based solutions, as well as safeguards, Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), and human rights considerations in implementing just transition programs and projects.

In August 2025, DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres represented the Philippines during the “Green Jobs in the Digital Economy: A Global and Regional Perspective” High-Level Plenary Session at the ASEAN Green Jobs Forum held in Putrajaya, Malaysia. During the forum, Undersecretary Torres underscored the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening green and just transition initiatives, emphasizing that the country will prioritize the implementation of the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for Green Jobs during its ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

The ILS reaffirmed its commitment to advancing social dialogue on climate action and labor transition concerns, with the goal of institutionalizing these consultations as part of the Philippines’ continuing engagement in regional and international climate and labor policy discussions.

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