LocationsYouth Explore Green Jobs Pathways in Vanuatu through UNDP’s VGET Project Workshop
October 2, 2025
Port Vila, Vanuatu - Around 20 young people from Vanuatu gathered in Port Vila to explore the future of green jobs and their role in shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Organised under the Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation (VGET) Project supported by the Government of Japan as part of the regional Green Energy Transformation initiative, the Introduction to Green Jobs and Just Transition Workshop provided participants with practical tools, real-life examples, and inspiration to pursue careers that protect the environment, address climate change, and unlock new economic opportunities.
The workshop explored three main pathways for green jobs:
- Green Careers – working directly in organisations that address environmental and climate issues.
- Greening Jobs – integrating green practices into roles within non-green organisations.
- Green Entrepreneurship – creating businesses that provide solutions to climate and sustainability challenges.
Participants reflected on how these pathways align with their personal aspirations and received practical guidance on how to begin their green career journeys.
Local stories showcased how youths in Vanuatu are already contributing to green transition.
Participants during the workshop learning about Green Jobs.
Joanna Wari, Area Administrator of South Pentecost, is a representative example with her experience coordinating conservation efforts, youth advocacy, and awareness campaigns on climate action.
The workshop is part of the Movers Programme, a regional youth empowerment initiative that equips young leaders across Asia-Pacific with knowledge on the Sustainable Development Goals, digital literacy, and climate action. It uses a peer-to-peer and trainers of trainers learning model.
“This workshop has been really inspiring, well-structured, and innovative,” said Joe Higgs Kalo, Principal Administrator at the Vanuatu National Youth Council.
“We learnt how to create a green jobs and start careers that bring sustainable solutions to our communities. Hopefully, youth in Vanuatu can apply these lessons locally.”
Suvmali Suraweera, Youth Empowerment Portfolio Management and Research Coordinator from the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub organised the workshop as part of her broader mission in Vanuatu to conduct a Youth Entrepreneurs Ecosystem Study.
I am thrilled to run this session in Bislama alongside youth leaders from Vanuatu as co-facilitators and with such strong participation. The energy and ideas from Vanuatu’s youth show a clear interest in pursuing green careers and entrepreneurship.”
Participants during the workshop learning about Green Jobs.
Georgilla Worwor, one of the facilitators, said:
“I just loved how important it is to have this conversation. In order to have a Vanuatu that fully transitions to green energy, we must have green jobs.
Why Green Jobs Matter for Vanuatu
With Vanuatu aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030, the demand for skilled workers in renewable energy and climate-friendly industries is growing rapidly. Investments like the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project are helping communities on Pentecost Island access clean and reliable energy through pico-hydro power stations, while also training government officials and interested professionals in technical management of this environmentally friendly technology.
The workshop concluded with a call for youth to pursue training, mentorship, and collaboration in renewable energy, conservation, and green entrepreneurship. Participants also connected with regional #Movers4Climate community, which continue to mobilse climate action across Asia-Pacific through targetted campaigns, and local initiatives.
In addition to the Green Jobs and Just Transition workshop, the Movers workshop on Entrepreneurship engaged around 45 participants in Pentecost Island as a part of the same initiative.
About the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project (VGET)
The VGET Project is part of the $37 million Pacific Green Transformation regional initiative, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of Vanuatu. With $4.62 million allocated for Vanuatu, the project supports the country’s National Energy Road Map target of achieving 100% renewable electrification by 2030.
About the Movers Programme
The Movers Programme is a regional youth-led initiative across Asia-Pacific that fosters SDG awareness, digital skills, green jobs pathways, and inclusive leadership. By equipping young changemakers to run their own workshops, the programme ensures a ripple effect of youth-led action at the community level.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org
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