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Three ways we promote nature-inspired work across the Arab States
workers planting trees

World Environment Day

Three ways we promote nature-inspired work across the Arab States

This year on World Environment Day, the ILO Regional Office for Arab states is highlighting three examples of how decent work is a central element in the transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all.

Saudi Arabia and ILO discuss ongoing cooperation aimed at advancing labour market development and worker protection
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo (right) and Saudi Arabia Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi during a bilateral meeting at the 114th ILC. Geneva, 4 May 2026.

Development cooperation programme

Saudi Arabia and ILO discuss ongoing cooperation aimed at advancing labour market development and worker protection

Oman advances a new regional model for rights-based social protection
 (R to L) Oman Minister of Labour Prof. Mahad Said Baawain, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and other officials at the launch of a joint ILO-Oman Social Protection Fund report on the sidelines of the 114th ILC.Geneva, 4 May 2026.

Report

Oman advances a new regional model for rights-based social protection

A new report by the ILO and Oman’s Social Protection Fund highlights how integrated, lifecycle-based social protection aligned with international labour standards can strengthen social justice and economic resilience.

50 years of ILO Convention No. 144: putting tripartism into practice
Black-and-white photograph of delegates seated in a conference room during an International Labour Conference session in 1976.

Social dialogue and tripartism

50 years of ILO Convention No. 144: putting tripartism into practice

Marking 50 years since its adoption, Convention No. 144 remains a key instrument for promoting tripartism and effective consultation on international labour standards.

From skills to opportunity: How hands-on training is helping youth in Jordan access decent work
Culinary student Sara Al-Tamimi during her work-based learning placement in a restaurant kitchen. Amman, Jordan, September 15, 2025.

From skills to opportunity: How hands-on training is helping youth in Jordan access decent work

The ILO, through the PROSPECTS partnership, is providing young Jordanians and Syrian refugees with practical experience that links to real jobs in a changing labour market and expands opportunities for individuals choosing to return their home...

AI-driven transformation puts jobs, inequality and skills at a crossroads in the Arab region
Abstract digital illustration showing hands typing on a laptop keyboard with an AI icon and data interface overlays. Human figure icons and binary-style graphics appear in the background, symbolizing artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the future of work.

New report

AI-driven transformation puts jobs, inequality and skills at a crossroads in the Arab region

A new report outlines diverging AI futures for jobs, growth and inequality in the Arab region. Proactive and inclusive policy measures are needed today, ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat says during an Arab Forum for Sustainable Development special...

Middle East crisis weighs on global labour markets
A man hands an empty oil can to a woman refugee to use as safe water container.

Middle East crisis weighs on global labour markets

Report finds rising risks to jobs, incomes and working conditions worldwide, with uneven effects across regions and growing pressure on migrant workers and remittance-dependent economies.

Rebuilding Gaza through decent work

Video

Rebuilding Gaza through decent work

Thousands of Palestinians are repairing roads, restoring water and power systems, and rebuilding communities through ILO-supported emergency employment programmes. Decent work contributes to sustainable development and plays a critical role in...

Job-rich investment must be at the heart of Syria’s recovery agenda

Job-rich investment must be at the heart of Syria’s recovery agenda

Investments in decent jobs and local economic growth are essential for an inclusive and sustainable recovery, the ILO has told the Syria Partnership Coordination Forum.

IMRF stakeholders strengthen commitments to wage and social protection for migrant workers
Foreign workers cut steel on a construction site in the UAE, 2021.

IMRF stakeholders strengthen commitments to wage and social protection for migrant workers

A high-level dialogue at the International Migration Review Forum 2026 explored practical ways to include migrant workers in wage and social protection systems across the migration corridor between Africa, Asia and the Gulf, with the support of the...

Jordan launches new Decent Work Country Programme to drive inclusive growth and a resilient labour market
ILO Regional Director for the Arab States Ruba Jaradat receives a commemorative plaque alongside Minister of Labour Khaled Al-Bakkar, GFJTU President Khaled Al-Fanatsah & JCI Chairman Fathi Al-Jaghbeir during International Workers’ Day event in Jordan.

News release

Jordan launches new Decent Work Country Programme to drive inclusive growth and a resilient labour market

Announcement made in an event held under royal patronage to mark International Workers’ Day, as tripartite partners and ILO build on numerous achievements to date.

Nepal advances for stronger social protection for migrant workers at home and abroad
Construction workers in Qatar, where foreign workers make up about 95% of the country’s total labour force.

Nepal advances for stronger social protection for migrant workers at home and abroad

National dialogue calls for better coordination across the migration cycle and closer alignment with destination-country systems.

Syria advances national recovery through public works programme design and strengthening labour market data systems
Group photo bringing together the attending ministers, the ILO Regional Director, and representatives of the International Labour Organization. Damascus, Syria 27/4/2026

Syria advances national recovery through public works programme design and strengthening labour market data systems

Consultative workshop in Damascus brings together national institutions and social partners to shape employment-led recovery and evidence-based policymaking.

Officers of the ILO Committee on maritime labour urge immediate action to protect seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz
A lone seafarer stands on the deck of a ship in the sunset

Officers of the ILO Committee on maritime labour urge immediate action to protect seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz

Representatives of governments, seafarers and shipowners call on Member States to protect seafarers at a time of heightened violence at sea in the Middle East region.

Saudi Arabia strengthens national capacities in cooperative development
Cooperative members participate in an ILO cooperative training session in Saudi Arabia, April 2026.

Saudi Arabia strengthens national capacities in cooperative development

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its national capacities to promote cooperatives by building a pool of certified cooperative trainers to expand access to locally delivered training and advisory services across the country.

ILO-led workshop supports countries to strengthen recognition of prior learning systems
Attendees of the regional event

Learning event

ILO-led workshop supports countries to strengthen recognition of prior learning systems

Countries from Africa and the Middle East share practical solutions to strengthen recognition of prior learning and expand access to decent work.

Lasting shocks from the Middle East crisis: Emerging risks for the world of work
Chemical-oil products tanker passing by wind turbines

Blog

Lasting shocks from the Middle East crisis: Emerging risks for the world of work

Beyond its human toll, the Middle East crisis is hitting jobs, incomes, and working conditions worldwide. Early action is critical to protect labour markets, especially for vulnerable workers, small businesses, and low-income households.

New momentum to build social protection capacities in the Arab region
a table with posters an documents from the training material

New momentum to build social protection capacities in the Arab region

New training modules support governments in the Middle East and North African region to build integrated, shock-responsive systems that expand coverage and protect vulnerable populations

ILO rainwater harvesting in Jordan boosts farm yields, cuts costs, and strengthens rural resilience
Man in a desert setting opening a metal lid to an underground cistern

ILO rainwater harvesting in Jordan boosts farm yields, cuts costs, and strengthens rural resilience

New impact study shows transformative benefits for women and men farmers amid climate-stress.

Ministry of Social Affairs of Lebanon, UNICEF and ILO announce emergency cash support for children and persons with disabilities affected...
A young girl with a veil forming a heart with her hands

Joint Statement

Ministry of Social Affairs of Lebanon, UNICEF and ILO announce emergency cash support for children and persons with disabilities affected...

One-off assistance will reach around 6,000 families enrolled in Lebanon’s National Disability Allowance, helping vulnerable households cope with the impact of the ongoing crisis.