Iraq launches a four-year programme for better jobs, skills and social protection

Decent work country programme

Iraq launches a four-year programme for better jobs, skills and social protection

New Decent Work Country Programme shifts the focus from recovery to long-term labour market development, with priorities spanning employment, economic diversification, workers' rights and social protection.

4 September 2026

Representatives of the Government of Iraq, the Conference of Trade Union Federations and Unions in Iraq, the Iraqi Federation of Industries and the ILO sign Iraq's new Decent Work Country Programme. Baghdad, Iraq- 3/9/2026 © ILO

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BAGHDAD (ILO News) - Iraq has launched a new four-year framework to create more and better employment opportunities, equip workers with skills that match labour market needs, support private-sector growth and strengthen rights and social protection under a new Decent Work Country Programme for 2026-2029.

The Programme marks a shift from the recovery-oriented efforts of recent years towards longer-term development of Iraq's labour market. Framed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs , workers' and employers' organizations with the support of the ILO, the Programme provides a common plan for tackling some of the country's key employment challenges while supporting more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Over the next four years, the Programme will focus on three interconnected priorities: improving market-relevant skills and access to inclusive employment; creating jobs through economic diversification, business growth and a just transition; and improving the quality of work while strengthening rights-based social protection.

The Government of Iraq, the Conference of Trade Union Federations and Unions in Iraq, the Iraqi Federation of Industries and the ILO signed the Programme in Baghdad on Thursday, formalizing their commitment to work together on its implementation.

The Programme was signed in Baghdad by Dr. Khalid Amjad Al Saegh, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; Mr. Kareem Lafta Sindal, President of the Iraqi Trade Unions Council; Mr. Hisham Al-Nasiri, Board Member of the Iraqi Federation of Industries; and Ms. Claire Courteille-Mulder, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States.

Claire Courtel-Mulder, Deputy Regional Director for Arab States at the International Labour Organization, delivers her opening remarks during the launch of the National Decent Work Programme in Iraq 2026-2029. 3/9/2026

"This Decent Work Programme is not the ILO's plan for Iraq. It is an Iraqi plan for Iraqi working people, their families, and businesses, which has been agreed by the Iraqi tripartite constituents," said Claire Courteille-Mulder, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States.

Khaled Al-Sayegh, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in Iraq, delivers his opening speech during the launch of the National Decent Work Program in Iraq 2026-2029. Baghdad, Iraq- 3/9/2026

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Khalid Amjad Al Saegh highlighted the importance of the Programme in advancing Iraq's labour market priorities, stating: "The Programme will be measured by what it achieves in terms of real jobs, economic growth and social protection, and by establishing a solid foundation for lasting cooperation between the Government, workers and employers, towards balanced development that supports decent work and workers' rights."

President of the Iraqi Trade Unions Council Kareem Lafta Sindal in the opening remarks during the launch of the National Decent Work Programme in Iraq 2026-2029. 3/9/2026

President of the Iraqi Trade Unions Council Kareem Lafta Sindal emphasized the importance of placing workers at the centre of Iraq's development, saying:"The signing of this Programme marks an important milestone in the partnership among the social partners and reflects a shared commitment to translating the principles of decent work into practical policies, programmes and measures that improve the lives of working women and men, while advancing social justice and sustainable development in Iraq."

Hisham Al-Nasiri, Board Member of the Iraqi Federation of Industries, on his speech during the launch of the National Decent Work Programme in Iraq 2026-2029. 3/9/2026

Hisham Al-Nasiri, Board Member of the Iraqi Federation of Industries, highlighted the importance of partnership and social dialogue, stating:
"Partnership and productive work must be translated into tangible action. Decent work is not merely a slogan; it means employment opportunities that uphold human dignity, sustainable enterprises that can grow and thrive, and an economy capable of generating lasting opportunities. The success of the Programme will depend on genuine tripartite social dialogue, where the Government, employers and workers stand as equal partners in shaping policies, making decisions and driving their implementation."

Iraq has been a member of the ILO since 1932 and has ratified 72 ILO Conventions, including nine of the ten Fundamental Conventions. Most recently, Iraq ratified the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, in March 2023, as well as the Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) and the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185) in May 2021.

A group photo with the ILO and tripartite partners during the signing of National Decent Work Program in Iraq. 3/9/2026

The Programme is aligned with Iraq's National Development Plan 2024-2028, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq 2025-2029, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. It also contributes to broader efforts to advance inclusive economic development, reduce inequalities, strengthen social protection and promote gender equality and productive employment opportunities.

Implementation will be overseen by a national tripartite steering committee, with provision for United Nations entities and funding partners to participate in specific meetings, as appropriate. This mechanism will support coordinated implementation, monitoring of progress and continued dialogue among the tripartite constituents.

The ILO will continue to support Iraq and its tripartite constituents in translating the Programme's priorities into concrete action. This will include technical support and policy advice, capacity-building and strengthening labour market institutions, while working with national and development partners to coordinate actions on the ground.

The Programme specifically provides a platform for strengthened cooperation across the United Nations system and with international development partners, building on ongoing efforts in areas including employment, skills development, social protection, private sector development, labour rights and the transition towards more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.