ILO Workshop Focuses on Promoting Decent Work Through Iraq's National Public Works Program

Mito Tsukamoto, Branch Chief of Employment Investment at the ILO, stressed the necessity of sustainable employment for Iraq's recovery.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a two-day consultative workshop titled "Promoting Decent Work in National Public Works Programmes" in Erbil, gathering representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and experts from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the International Trade Centre. In her opening remarks, Dr. Maha Kattaa, the ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, emphasized the significance of public works programs as essential components of the social protection network. She stated, "These programs are designed to alleviate the impacts of crises and economic shocks while providing a pathway out of the poverty cycle."

 

Dr. Kattaa highlighted that Iraq's public works program aims to improve infrastructure and social services, including childcare to enhance women's participation in the labor market, as well as to address climate challenges through a focus on the green economy. Maha Abdul Kareem Hamoud, Director General of the Planning Department, reinforced the program's objectives, noting that the collaboration between the Ministry of Planning and the ILO aims to create decent job opportunities for youth and foster economic development through infrastructure investment. Mito Tsukamoto, Branch Chief of Employment Investment at the ILO, stressed the necessity of sustainable employment for Iraq's recovery.

 

"Every investment must lead to viable and lasting job opportunities," he said, calling for mobilization from both public and private sectors. During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions on strategies to ensure the national public works program supports economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality. The program is designed to benefit all Iraqis, particularly vulnerable groups, and lessons learned from global best practices were shared. Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Ms. Zakia Said Saleh highlighted the critical role of job creation in reducing poverty and driving economic growth. She asserted the need to remove barriers and develop effective policies, including public works programs. Dr. Khaled Al-Saegh, another Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, pointed out the importance of involving the National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to raise awareness about safe working practices among workers.

 

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to establish a technical working group and a supervisory committee to oversee the implementation of the national public works program. The necessity of ongoing collaboration between Iraqi institutions and international partners was underscored as vital for the program’s success. This initiative is part of broader efforts to assist the Iraqi government in establishing a national public works program aligned with the National Development Plan (2024-2028). The program aims to tackle unemployment, promote decent and sustainable job opportunities, and improve infrastructure and public services across Iraq while adhering to international labor standards.