Driving a Just Transition through Social Dialogue in the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Sector

On 03 July 2024, FES Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Agricultural Federation, hosted a seminar in Jimma titled "Driving a Just Transition in the Coffee Sector through Social Dialogue." This event brought together various workers from the coffee and tea sector to discuss crucial topics related to sustainability and ethical practices.

The primary objectives of the seminar were to increase awareness and understanding among participants about supply chain due diligence, human rights obligations, and environmental protection responsibilities for companies. Additionally, the event aimed to foster discussion and knowledge sharing on the concept of a just transition, an environmentally and socially balanced economic transition. Furthermore, the dialogue facilitated exchanges among participants from diverse sectors, allowing them to share perspectives and best practices related to social dialogue in sustainability initiatives.

Throughout the session, it became evident that there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the importance of social dialogue and the growing necessity for supply chain transparency and due diligence concerning human rights and environmental protection.

By the end of the session, participants identified both challenges and opportunities in implementing ethical and sustainable practices within their supply chains. This reaffirmed the value and need of a just transition.