Jamaica’s green growth model: A blueprint for a just future

With a transformative new tool now in hand, Jamaica is poised to chart a greener, more resilient path forward—one that could reshape its economic future. The recent handover of the National Green Economic Growth Model to the government on July 8 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s development journey.

Developed through collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the model provides an evidence-based roadmap for steering Jamaica away from fossil fuel dependence and toward a future anchored in sustainability, equity, and inclusive growth. Officially presented to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the model is a strategic tool to align climate action with decent work and national development priorities.

Backed by robust economic modelling, the Green Economic Growth Model projects that over 15 years, a shift toward green growth could generate up to 8,000 net new jobs, raise GDP by almost one per cent and create expanded opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, green construction, tourism, agriculture, and services. These are not just economic gains; they represent new pathways for decent work and poverty reduction, particularly for groups traditionally left on the margins of development.

GENDER AND YOUTH INCLUSION

The model also places spotlight on gender and youth inclusion, highlighting that young people and women are expected to benefit significantly from a greener labour market. As Marek Harsdorff, ILO economist and co-author of the model, explained: “Investing in green infrastructure and skills pays off both economically and socially. When paired with social protections, green growth can lift incomes, reduce poverty, and create quality jobs.”

However, experts and stakeholders alike emphasise that these benefits will not materialise automatically. At the model’s launch, Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP resident representative in Jamaica, underscored the need for a national conversation to translate the data into coordinated, inclusive policies. “The model provides evidence-based guidance for planning Jamaica’s future economy,” he said. “But its true power lies in how we engage all sectors of society to align policies with sustainable, inclusive growth priorities.”

This momentum is already growing. Just days after the handover, on July 10, the ILO and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security convened a sensitisation workshop on ‘Social impacts of climate policies: Planning for a just transition’, drawing together a cross-section of government agencies, employers, trade unions, youth leaders, and civil society organisations.

The discussions focused on how to integrate equity and social protection into Jamaica’s evolving climate policies. Dione Jennings, acting permanent secretary at the ministry, stressed the importance of this collective approach: “This opportunity allows us to move the conversation on just transition into action ensuring fairness and inclusivity, particularly for workers, communities, and those affected by the transition.”

ENABLING THE TRANSITION

Turning conversation into results, the model pinpoints several crucial enablers for making green growth a Jamaican reality. Key among them is the urgent need for green skills development, training at least 10 per cent of the workforce annually in green technologies and services so Jamaicans are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Upgrading social protection, including new unemployment benefits, reskilling support, and stronger workplace safety measures, is essential for supporting workers through change.

Securing reliable access to climate finance by leveraging concessional funds, private investment, and international partnerships will drive job creation and green infrastructure. The model is clear: sustained social dialogue and tripartite partnership between workers, employers, and government are foundations for trust and effective policy.

For the ILO, this is the essence of a just transition: a human-centred shift toward sustainability that protects livelihoods, rights, and equality. This approach lies at the heart of the ILO’s Just Transition: Embedding Climate Justice in Regional Policy Frameworks project, backing ministries and social partners as they craft inclusive climate policies that leave no one behind. Tools like the Decent Work Country Programme provide the structure to bring coherence and focus, ensuring climate and labour policies reinforce each other for tangible, lasting progress.

The journey from model to reality must now be driven by wide consultation, effective financing, and unwavering commitment. With bold leadership and inclusive strategies, Jamaica is well-positioned to lead by example in the Caribbean and beyond. Because a greener Jamaica must also be a fairer Jamaica and now is the time to make it happen.

Submitted by ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com