TBB Launches Coalition for Green Skills Pathways to Integrate Refugees into the Green Economy

Written By David Manicom

Pictured: Members of the Coalition for Green Skills Pathways

As the global shift toward a sustainable green transition gathers momentum, demand is surging for skilled workers in green energy, environmental management, and other sectors crucial to combating climate change. It’s estimated that by 2030, approximately 20 million new green jobs will emerge globally, dedicated to supporting green initiatives to meet net-zero goals and green-economy initiatives. Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is working to ensure that refugees and other vulnerable populations are not only included in this workforce but also equipped to thrive within it.

In October 2024, TBB brought together 21 global leaders from across industries and international organizations for a pivotal discussion on “Scaling Labour Pathways for Refugees: Design-and-Build for the Green Transition.” This event, held in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation, launched the Coalition for Green Skills Pathways, which aims to connect refugee talent to emerging green economy opportunities and support global sustainability goals.

The coalition brings together experts from government, the private sector, green-transition training providers, funders, and legal advocates. Their shared mission is to equip refugees and other vulnerable populations with the skills necessary to excel in the green economy. TBB’s approach with this coalition focuses on actionable steps to integrate refugee talent into labor markets focused on the green transition, benefitting both refugees and national workers in host countries. This means not only developing current talent but also upskilling refugees and nationals in critical green-transition skills. By doing so, TBB and its coalition partners aim to create a sustainable talent pipeline that supports the green economy while addressing the urgent need for skilled labor in this sector.

Key Objectives of the Project:

  • Support the fight against negative impacts of climate change by training talent to contribute to the green transition.

  • Enable refugees to access migration pathways to safer homes and dignified work based on their skills.

  • Provide green-skills training for refugees and select nationals in refugee-hosting countries, and

  • Promote safe and regulated migration routes as an alternative to unsafe and irregular migration.

A Three-Year Project to Scale Refugee Integration

The coalition will create a comprehensive, three-year refugee labor mobility project that meets the workforce needs of the green transition. This scalable model is designed to reduce costs for both employers and governments, enhancing the long-term sustainability of green transition efforts. By the end of this initial three-year phase, TBB and its coalition partners aim to relocate 10,000 workers, plus their family members, for a total of some 20,000 individuals, and set a strong foundation for expanded opportunities into the future.

Our Vision for Inclusive, Sustainable Labor Markets

The Coalition for Green Skills Pathways underscores TBB’s dedication to expanding access to skilled employment for refugees and other displaced people, ensuring they can participate equitably in the global economy. With a long-term vision of creating migration pathways for hundreds of thousands of refugees and vulnerable migrants, TBB and its coalition partners are working to shape a global workforce that reflects diversity, resilience, and readiness for the future.

Coalition for Green Skills Pathways Members

This effort is supported by a diverse group of leaders from organizations worldwide, including:

For more information, please contact our team at info@talentbeyondboundaries.org

David Manicom
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