The International Labour Organization (ILO), under the PROSPECTS Partnership funded by the Government of the Netherlands, has launched Today a three-day training on the development and implementation of National Employment Policies (NEPs). The training, based on ILO Convention 122 and standard technical processes, is taking place in Erbil from 11 to 13 August 2025.

The KRI labour market has faced mounting challenges in recent years, with overlapping “polycrises” of political tensions, fiscal shortfalls, declining oil revenues, regional instability, migration pressures, and reduced international aid, worsening unemployment, underemployment, and barriers to workforce participation, particularly for youth and women.

Against this backdrop, the Kurdistan Regional Government is moving forward with the development of its NEP, aiming to promote job creation, decent work, and social protection for all, including host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees. The NEP process is rooted in tripartite social dialogue, engaging representatives from government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and other relevant institutions to ensure national ownership and sustainable results.

H.E. Ms Kwestan Mohammed Abdullah, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Region, underscored the importance of building the technical capacity of the Steering Committee*: “Regional conflicts and the influx of displaced persons and refugees have increased unemployment and strained the labour market. Supporting the National Employment Policy is essential to create jobs, revitalise the economy, and reach vulnerable groups. With the backing of the International Labour Organization, we can align with global standards and promote decent work for all.”*

Dr. Maha Katta, ILO Country Coordinator for Iraq, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “This workshop reflects the ILO’s commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region in developing evidence-based employment policies in line with the overall national strategies and policies through social dialogue. By working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and social partners, we aim to advance decent work, promote inclusive growth, and ensure that employment policies address the needs of all, especially youth and women,” said Maha Kattaa, ILO Iraq Country Coordinator.

Participants include representatives from key ministries, employers and workers’ organizations, and experts from all four governorates of the KRI. The programme is designed to be participatory and learner-centred, fostering peer exchange and collaborative problem-solving.

The NEP for the Kurdistan Region is expected to become a cornerstone for strengthening the labour market, reducing unemployment, addressing skills gaps, and promoting gender equality in employment, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy for all.

About PROSPECTS

PROSPECTS is a global partnership that aims to improve access to education, social protection, and decent work for host communities and forcibly displaced people. Spearheaded by the Government of the Netherlands, it brings together the International Finance Corporation, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank to help transform how governments and other stakeholders, including the private sector, respond to forced displacement crises.

For media inquiries:

ILO Iraq Communications Team

Email: muhi@ilo.org