First workshop launches development of Iraq’s National Social and Solidarity Economy Policy

SULAYMANIYAH (ILO News) - The Government of Iraq has formally launched the development of a National Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Policy, marking an important step towards strengthening decent work, economic inclusion and sustainable development in the country.

Pursuant to Diwani Order No. (61) of 2025 issued by the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Iraq, a National Committee has been tasked with developing a National SSE Policy. At the Committee's request, a workshop held on 8-9 February 2026 brought together key stakeholders. The ILO provided technical support, drawing on its global expertise and international labour standards, in particular the Resolution concerning decent work and the social and solidarity economy.

The inception workshop marked the official start of a structured and consultative process to develop a coherent and implementable policy framework. It aimed to build a shared understanding of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), review relevant international experiences, including those of Jordan, Tunisia, and France, and foster dialogue among government institutions and key stakeholders to ensure that the policy responds to Iraq's social and economic realities, while drawing lessons that could be adapted to the Iraqi context. On the second day, discussions focused on designing the national policy development process, including key steps, consultation mechanisms, relevant stakeholders, and agreement on next steps and a timeline.

Conclusion of the workshop, participants emphasized the importance of social and solidarity economy to strengthen economic and social inclusion, create decent work opportunities, and support the most vulnerable groups, thereby contributing to Iraq's development priorities.
To advance this process, the Committee formally endorsed the roadmap for developing the National SSE Policy. This will begin with a comprehensive national assessment of the social and solidarity economy, followed by a validation workshop with partner stakeholders, and subsequently the drafting of the national policy with a clear implementation plan.

Igor Bosc, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, stated: "The launch of the national policy development process on the social and solidarity economy marks an important step toward strengthening decent work and economic inclusion in Iraq. The International Labour Organization is proud to support the Government of Iraq in this process, drawing on international standards and global experience, and aligning with national priorities."
For his part, Ali Makki, Chair of the Committee and Director General of the Coordination and Personnel Affairs Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, said: "The social and solidarity economy is gaining increasing importance considering current economic and social transformations. It is an economic framework based on the principles of social justice and solidarity, relying on cooperation among individuals and institutions to achieve sustainable development and empower vulnerable groups. This model places people and communities at its centre, rather than profit alone."

Simel Esim, Head of the Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Unit at the International Labour Organization - Geneva, emphasized in her remarks: "The inception workshop represents a timely opportunity to develop a nationally owned, coherent and implementable National Social and Solidarity Economy Policy for Iraq. The social and solidarity economy is not new to Iraq; rather, the policy process is about formally recognizing and systematically supporting what already exists, anchored in national development priorities. Legal clarity is often necessary but rarely sufficient, and a national policy should establish a conducive environment enabling cooperatives and other social and solidarity economy entities to play a stronger role in advancing decent work and social justice."