The transition from coal-dependent economies to ones driven by sustainable energy sources presents a global challenge in balancing climate action, energy access, and economic development. The 'just transition' concept recognizes the importance of addressing societal impacts, environmental sustainability, governance, and financial mechanisms in this process. Countries such as India, South Africa, and the United States, each with their distinct socio-economic landscapes, underscore the necessity for collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing to facilitate successful regional transitions.

To address these challenges and explore subnational strategies for managing energy, economic, and environmental transitions, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, hosted an invitation-only hybrid workshop on 27 July 2023, in New Delhi, India. The workshop aimed to connect stakeholders from India, South Africa, and the United States to share experiences, policy mechanisms, and technical considerations for navigating transitions at the subnational level.

The workshop featured four sessions focusing on (1) governance, (2) economic revitalisation and diversification, (3) infrastructure repurposing and environmental remediation, and (4) workforce and skill development. Each session included presentations by expert speakers, audience engagement, and reflective discussions on the lessons learned. The event attracted 46 officials and practitioners from 11 states and provinces, providing a valuable platform for direct engagement and exchange of insights across various contexts. Several key takeaways emerged from the prolific discussions:

• Navigating the transition from a coal-dependent economy becomes intricately challenging when balanced with urgent developmental imperatives.
• Policy and legislative initiatives reflect growing, ambitious regional climate commitments, yet they confront social, economic, and legacy issues, risking an unplanned and inequitable transition.
• Ensuring broad-based development dividends from the transition—beyond simply mitigating impacts in coal-mining regions—is crucial for garnering widespread political and popular support.
• Communication strategies that align with local sentiments and openness to change can foster community-led economic diversification.
• Tangible, on-the-ground projects that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of sustainable transitions motivate wider community involvement in workforce development.
• Nurturing green skills is vital for ensuring the inclusivity of the green economy and integrating communities into the future workforce.

This report serves as a comprehensive overview of the discussions, aimed at aiding participants and informing those not in attendance about collaborative opportunities and transition pathways explored during the event.