Sustainable Livelihoods

The challenge

For workers living in vulnerable communities, there are relatively few skills development and job placement programmes preparing them for the job market. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which collectively employ 45% of the global workforce, are frequently limited in their capacity to invest in innovation and technology and to respond to new business opportunities.

Climate change further complicates the situation. Jobs and business opportunities in mining, fossil fuel-based energy generation, manufacturing, forestry, and agriculture are likely to be lost or structurally changed by severe weather events and the transition to a greener economy. Increased demand for climate-resilient products and services across supply chains will require MSMEs to innovate, evolve, and diversify their portfolios and capabilities.

Our response

Fair and just transition for workers

We invest in organisations leading skilling programs that build new labour forces, including supporting workers whose jobs are at risk because of climate change. We aim to scale training for underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and minorities so that they can benefit from green job opportunities, reducing the inequality gap.

Green entrepreneurship

We invest in making MSME operations more resilient to climate risks. We also use catalytic grants and impact investing tools to support MSMEs develop new green businesses connecting those with economic opportunities across global supply chains.

Green energy communities

We invest in accelerating innovation and providing access to affordable, reliable clean-energy solutions for last-mile communities. These are rural populations far from the grid where private and public investments are unlikely to occur. Our aim is to increase their climate resilience and improve livelihood opportunities and income. To do so, we partner with clean energy donors, coalitions, and impact investing funds.