ILO and Youth Council Collaborate for Better Employment

In a groundbreaking initiative to empower Iraqi youth, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has partnered with the Higher Council for Youth to launch a national programme focused on enhancing skills in the green economy, decent work, and career guidance. The programme aims to train local trainers who will disseminate these vital concepts and raise awareness among youth throughout Iraq.

During the programme’s launch, Mr. Ali Hilal Khalaf, Executive Director of the Higher Council for Youth, welcomed the partnership, emphasising its potential to position Iraqi youth as leaders in sustainable development. Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, highlighted the importance of establishing a national network of trainers to facilitate knowledge transfer and improve sustainable employment opportunities, aligning with the aspirations of Iraqi youth seeking careers that contribute to sustainability, address unemployment, and promote inclusivity in the labour market.

Mr. Qasim Al-Zalmi, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, stressed the necessity of tailoring training programmes to the specific needs of Iraqi society and its labour market. He described the partnership as a model of effective collaboration that aims to cultivate a knowledgeable generation prepared to tackle future challenges.

The programme’s primary objective is to train staff from the Higher Council for Youth to become national trainers capable of leading specialised workshops on career selection, job search strategies, and opportunities in the green economy. The curriculum will also cover labour law, social security, and decent work standards to ensure youth are aware of their rights. Additionally, the partnership will implement the “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) programme to empower youth in launching sustainable enterprises.

To guarantee the effectiveness of the trainers, the ILO and the Higher Council for Youth will monitor and evaluate their performance regularly, ensuring they meet ILO accreditation standards. This collaboration represents a strategic move towards supporting Iraqi youth in establishing stable and sustainable career paths that align with economic and social growth while protecting the environment.

Source: International Labour Organization