A Just Transition, or Just a Transition?

Keynote by Dr Manal Shehabi (University of Oxford)

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces serious economic, political, social, environmental, conflict, and security challenges and vulnerabilities, which are further exacerbated by climate change. In this region, rich in and dependent on oil and gas, countries have adopted ambitious energy transition and net-zero emissions targets. The ensuing projects (announced and planned) have been presented as opportunities for unmatched new exports as well as green economic, environmental, and social development. Can these energy transition projects be a vehicle to achieve a just transition that is centered around justice, fairness, equity and climate-resilient development? Or are they just a transition to new energy sources benefitting vested economic interests while maintaining the status quo?

Part of the UCL Institute of Global Prosperity’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations, this Keynote Lebanon Week Public Lecture discusses the urgency, meaning, and hurdles of a climate-resilient and just energy transition in the context of the MENA and Lebanon. It will also discuss implications of energy transitions on the region and beyond along with the role of research in driving pro-sustainability and just transition in the MENA. This talk aims to offer audiences the opportunity to participate in the debate and to spark public and academic discussion about prosperity and its impacts in the MENA and globally.