G20 Side Event to Launch the Policy Dialogue Series:
South Africa and Indonesia – A Shared Commitment to a Just Energy Transition
3 July 2025, 09:00 - 10:30 SAST
Recognising the need for dialogue to explore pathways to a just energy transition, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) in collaboration with the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) of South Africa, and the Ministries of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) and Finance in Indonesia is facilitating a virtual policy dialogue series between policymakers and practitioners from South Africa and Indonesia.
This dialogue series will take place from July to November 2025.
It kickstarts on Thursday, 3 July, with a G20 side event co-organized with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The five 90-minute dialogues will take place on the first Thursday of each month at 9 am in Johannesburg and 2 pm in Jakarta.
Registration for the event is available at this link.
Event Brief
The global shift away from coal presents a critical juncture for nations reliant on it for energy and livelihoods. For countries like Indonesia and South Africa, a just energy transition means more than just cutting emissions. A just energy transition means safeguarding communities, protecting livelihoods, promoting social inclusion, creating decent jobs, fostering sustainable businesses, and forging new paths for sustainable development.
In support of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 and building on the voluntary principles for just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transitions adopted by the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG), this virtual policy dialogue offers a timely platform for countries from the Global South to share national experiences and strengthen cooperation.
Session Objectives
This session aims to inform the non-negotiated Presidency G20 Document under Outcome 2 on Socio-economic Safeguards for Fossil Fuel-Dependent Regions. Specifically, it will:
- Share progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing a just transition in coal-reliant regions of Indonesia and South Africa.
- Highlight national strategies and social dialogue practices supporting the just transition in both PAGE partnering countries.
- Foster mutual learning and solidarity between G20 and Global South partners.
Registration for the event is available at this link.
About This Dialogue Series
This event is the first in a series of five virtual policy dialogues co-organized by the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and its partners in South Africa and Indonesia. This specific dialogue will contribute to the G20 ETWG’s Priority Area 2 on Just, Affordable, and Inclusive Energy Transitions.
The series will facilitate knowledge exchange on just transitions in coal mining regions, drawing on actionable measures and practical insights from Indonesia and South Africa, while also reflecting on the broader global policy agenda. Subsequent dialogues through November 2025 will delve into key building blocks of a just transition: social dialogue, skills development, financing, and international cooperation.
Agenda
- Opening Remarks
Dr. Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Director, ILO Priority Action Programme, Just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies
- Spotlight on Indonesia
Mr. Togu Pardede, Director for Energy, Mineral Resources and Mining at BAPPENAS, Indonesia
- Spotlight on South Africa
Mr. Siphamandla Daniel, Department of Electricity and Energy, South Africa
- Panel Discussion and Q&A
– Ms. Lebogang Mulaisi, Executive Manager Policy and Research, Presidential Climate Commission, South Africa
– Ms. Tanya Van Meelis, Head of Policy Unit, Congress of South African Trade Unions - Closing Remarks
Dr. Thabo Hlalele, Energy Centre Research Manager, CSIR
