Iraq’s High Committee for Workforce Planning and Employment, in collaboration with the ILO, held its first 2025 meeting to finalize the National Employment Policy for 2025-2030. The policy aims to boost job creation, enhance labor conditions, and reduce unemployment, particularly among vulnerable groups. Minister Al-Asadi emphasized the need for effective employment strategies to empower Iraq’s youth. The meeting concluded with plans for the policy draft’s adoption.
Iraq’s High Committee for Workforce Planning and Employment, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened its first meeting of 2025 in Baghdad to discuss the final draft of the National Employment Policy for 2025-2030. The policy seeks to create sustainable job opportunities, improve labor market efficiency, and enhance working conditions in Iraq.
The National Employment Policy is designed to foster inclusive economic growth, targeting unemployment reduction, especially for vulnerable populations like forcibly displaced persons. It also aims to improve the work environment, enhance labor institutions, develop skills, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen social protection systems to promote long-term stability.
During the meeting, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Al-Asadi, underscored the youth composition of Iraq’s demographics, stating that 65% of the population is of working age. He emphasized the necessity of implementing effective employment mechanisms to empower the youth, laying the foundation for national development.
The meeting featured discussions among senior officials from various ministries, trade unions, and employers’ organizations to ensure alignment between the National Employment Policy and national employment goals. Officials exchanged feedback on the policy, acknowledging its robustness and recognizing the significant contributions of national experts in its development.
The ILO provided crucial technical insights through its regional specialists and the Iraq office, backed by PROSPECTS Iraq partnership funding from the Netherlands. Their expertise contributed to policy development processes and outlined a comprehensive framework for effective implementation.
Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Coordinator in Iraq, highlighted that the National Employment Policy is essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and improved working conditions. She stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, as well as the development of training programs and entrepreneurship to create job opportunities effectively.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to adopt the National Employment Policy draft after final amendments are made. This draft will be submitted to the Council of Ministers, reflecting input from various stakeholders, demonstrating a collaborative, participatory approach to formulating Iraq’s employment strategies.
The meeting led to significant discussions on the National Employment Policy, aiming to create sustainable employment and enhance the work environment in Iraq. Key stakeholders, including the ILO and various governmental bodies, provided insights to ensure the policy aligns with national goals. Continued collaboration among all parties will support the effective implementation of the policy to foster economic stability and growth.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
