The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) organized a thematic workshop themed “The Impact of Climate Change on Labour Migration: Exchanging practices and exploring opportunities for sustainable development, decent work and a just labour market transition” at ILO HQ in Geneva on 29 March 2023.

Together with the CSOs and States, IMCS Pax Romana continues to contribute and advocate for accountability for labour migration influenced by climate change. Notably, decent and rewarding work is a concern of many young people around. Hence, we strive to see the integration of human mobility and environmental sustainability into policies at all levels for implementation. As such, the intersection between labour, migration and climate change is timely, considering all the diverse effects. We call for acknowledgement, collaboration and robust systems in addressing the challenges involved.

With the first panel discussion, our conversation focused on labour migration as an adaptation strategy. The panelists shared concerns about the impact of migration within their context and how the paradigm shift has been caused by the effects of climate change. The factors involved are not competing against themselves but rather complementary. And in further analysis of the situation, we discussed about the solutions to help mitigate the challenge at various within different contexts during the second panel discussion. It focused on meeting new skills demand created by climate action – with a focus on youth.

In summary, the thematic workshop amplified the key messages below as captured in the ILO Just Transition Policy briefs on Labour Migration and Human Mobility

1. Human mobility induced by climate change may be anticipated in some situations, and thus safe, orderly and regular pathways can be better planned by governments. In the short term, including labour mobility as part of regional mobility schemes, for example, could ensure that migrants are able to meet their essential needs and live in dignity while contributing to economic productivity of receiving countries. In the long term, policy outcomes should ensure migrant workers’ rights including to social protection and contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience in the communities in which they live.

1. A just transition requires bespoke actions within a common framework, centred on the interest and dignity of migrant workers and based on international labour standards. Well-managed and rights-based labour mobility and adaptation strategies can provide opportunities to increase resilience and adaptation, avoid the loss of assets and livelihoods and improve the skills base in receiving countries and in home communities when migrants return.

3. Evidence-based research and data collection, while respecting the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals, is critical to effectively informing policies on how to make migration safe and regular and to promoting decent work opportunities.

4. Although COVID-19 has caused many workers to lose their jobs, it has also created shortages of labour in several sectors, especially in the supply chains of most receiving countries and in care work. Safe, orderly and regular migration in line with international labour standards provides an opportunity to fill these gaps.

5. A just transition would ensure the inclusion of migrant workers of multiple backgrounds and vulnerabilities, recognizing their intersectional realities, being women, persons with disabilities, indigenous and tribal peoples who face distinct challenges related to climate change and its impacts.

In response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical and the United Nations’ call for governments to declare a climate emergency until neutrality is achieved, the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana held its World Assembly who gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 03 – 09 July 2023 on Global Climate Emergency at the newly constructed International Youth Training Centre focused on Theme: “Global Climate Emergency: Capacity building of tertiary students to be advocates for environmental, social, cultural, political and economic justice”. This assembly brought 103 participants (76 in-person and 27 online) from 33 different countries in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and North America. Representing about 53.5% males and 46.5% females; this comprised Catholic Students Leaders, Observers, Facilitators, Interpreters as well as Chaplains & the Religious. 

IMCS Pax Romana appreciates the presence of the over 150 community members and Elders as well as the Non-Formal Education Office, Ministry of Industry, Communal Life of Love and Unity of the Mountain People (CLUMP), Dr Jitprapa Srioon, MANFA Institute & Chairman of the Learning Center for All Ages, Baan Saan Fun Pan Suk, Bro. Dr. Dechachai Sripicharn, Provincial, Brothers of St. Gabriel Foundation, the Good Shepherd Sisters, Most Rev. Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, Bishop of Chiang Mai Diocese and Secretary General, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), the Police, Dancers, the Catholic Students Network of Thailand (CSNT) and all those who joined us during the 2023 World Assembly Opening Ceremony.

Referencing the final declaration on the climate emergency, participants at the IMCS Pax Romana World Assembly discussed rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, food and water sovereignty and health issues, how indigenous peoples are essential stewards of nature and biodiversity, and the smallest communities are the most affected by climate change. The effects of climate change are disproportionately felt by vulnerable communities, such as those in destitution and indigenous peoples. This included on-site visits and experience sharing in and around Chiang Mai such as a knowledge visit to a local canal, soil preservation and testing mobile applications and black soldier fly farming. 

In a further development, IMCS Pax Romana is committed to supporting environmental knowledge through research and development, providing its members with opportunities to represent the marginalized, advocating for environmental preservation, and collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders. Advocacy and education are essential for fostering a collective effort to combat climate change and promote change. It is essential to collaborate with vulnerable communities and relevant stakeholders to address their specific needs and preserve indigenous knowledge and practices that contribute to sustainable resource management. 

IMCS Pax Romana urges other Catholic Youth Organizations and communities around the world to respond to the Global Climate Emergency, as well as local authorities, governments, and international organizations to incorporate environmental protection into all of their efforts. Students of the Catholic faith must utilize their resources to persuade governing bodies to prioritize the Global Climate Emergency on their national and local agendas.

The call to action emphasizes collaboration with vulnerable communities and relevant stakeholders and urges Catholic youth organizations and communities worldwide to take action in response to the Global Climate Emergency.