The understanding of the vulnerability of natural systems and its impact on human development has led to greater efforts to include climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the policy making process of many countries as well as at the highest level fora to inform both international and national policy agendas.

However, a key question that still needs to be addressed is how these efforts can be translated into effective policies and programmes that will improve livelihood of people and communities through the creation of more decent local jobs; jobs which can also deliver environmental benefits as well as pathways to economic empowerment. These jobs are often called green jobs.  It is expected that over 400 million people will join the workforce within the next decade and green jobs creation is thus seen as an opportunity to address this challenge as countries transition to green economies.

This paper presents examples of policies and programmes initiated by local governments that promote green jobs especially for women and youth (persons between the ages of 15 and 24), with the aim of inspiring more local governments to consider policies that address the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in a synergetic manner.