A delegation from the Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs, led by Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee, attended the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan from November 13-15. The conference, also known as the Conference of Parties 29 (COP29), marked the department's first participation in negotiations for the Just Transition Work Program and Response Measures.

Deputy Undersecretary Lee stated, "We came to COP29 on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor with a simple goal: to push for better integration of labor issues into the climate agenda." She emphasized that a just transition should maximize social and economic opportunities while ensuring inclusive approaches that create decent work opportunities and reduce inequality.

During the conference held in Baku, the department organized a discussion on promoting high labor standards through innovative programs and investments in clean energy. This event featured panelists from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lee also participated in events at the Just Transition Pavilion, hosted by the International Labor Organization and the European Commission. These events included discussions on incorporating migrant workers' voices into policymaking and addressing heat stress on jobs as part of a campaign with Brazil through the Partnership for Workers’ Rights.