All resources: Arab States

Strengthening labour standards through dialogue

ILO workshop engages government and social partners in Jordan in an EU-funded initiative.

Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP)

ILO’s EIIP launches Annual Contractor Training to strengthen sustainable infrastructure delivery in Lebanon

Over 90 local contractors are trained on ILO EIIP principles and mandates as a prerequisite training for them to participate in future tenders.

Video interview

Progress and challenges in Iraq’s labour market: A conversation with Ruba Jaradat

ILO Regional Director for Arab States discusses key developments and persistent barriers to decent work in Iraq, with a focus on women’s economic participation.

Development cooperation programme

Saudi Arabia and ILO seal new phase of joint work to advance decent work reforms

The third phase of the development cooperation programme and two institutional agreements were signed to strengthen labour governance, social protection and worker rights, and support long-term cooperation.

Video

Five years of progress: ILO’s Impact on Iraq’s Labour Market (2020–2024)

Since establishing its office in Baghdad in 2020, the ILO has supported job creation, strengthened labour governance, advanced social protection, and promoted inclusive recovery through the Decent Work Country Programme.

From safety nets to pay checks: Jordan's holistic blueprint for workforce transformation

Pioneering reforms have enhanced social protection, boosted labour market transparency and enabled thousands to secure decent, formal employment in Jordan, with the European Union (EU) funding.

ILO, UNICEF, and the European Union (EU) mark close of landmark project, leaving legacy of inclusive growth in Jordan

Employer perspectives on social protection for expatriate workers in Kuwait

This report complements a review of national social protection legislation in GCC countries and presents a perspective on social protection from the point of view of employers registered with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)....

German Development Bank and ILO spotlight inclusive green jobs and sustainable development in Jordan

A joint mission to Jordan highlighted the Employment-Intensive Investment Programme's (EIIP) transformative progress in creating green jobs, improving municipal infrastructure, and empowering micro-entrepreneurs to bolster the country's economic...

ILO affirms commitment to decent work and social protection as a cornerstone of Syria’s recovery

Visit by Regional Director for Arab States to Damascus highlights importance of inclusive employment policies and strong labour institutions in Syria’s recovery efforts.

Job-centred investments strengthen communities and foster sustainable development in the Global South

The ILO’s EIIP programme in Lebanon highlights employment-intensive investments as a catalyst for rural resilience, sustainable development and crisis recovery in south-south and triangular cooperation efforts.

Inter-Regional Dialogue Between Africa and Arab States Strengthens Collaboration on Migrant Worker Protection

An inter-regional dialogue in Abuja brought together African and Arab State partners to strengthen collaboration on migrant worker protection, review progress under ATUMNET, and set priorities for more worker-centred labour migration governance.

Press release

Jordan adopts key amendments to Cooperative Law with ILO support

Revised law enhances cooperative governance, promotes inclusion, and introduces new support mechanisms to boost the sector’s contribution to decent work and inclusive development.

Cherry producers in Lebanon prepare for EU export markets through ILO-supported training

Awareness sessions help farmers and agricultural SMEs understand compliance protocols, strengthen value chain collaboration, and build capacity for certification.

Development cooperation

Qatar supports ILO with USD 2 million in flexible funding for decent work

Agreement strengthens ILO’s global efforts to advance decent work in crisis and development contexts.

Cooperatives in Bethlehem drive local livelihoods and decent work despite resource and access challenges

ILO and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation conduct joint visit to assess cooperative-led development in the West Bank’s Bethlehem district.

Vocational training boosts jobs and futures for youth in Jordan

Over 400 young women and men graduate from EU-funded vocational training programme for Jordanians and Syrian refugees.

ILO-supported programme is changing lives in Jordan through social protection

Donor delegations hear worker and employer accounts of how the ILO-supported Estidama++ programme is expanding social protection across the country

Palestinian cooperative leaders conclude study tour to Italy to advance inclusive economic development

The initiative aimed to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in Palestine by learning from Italy’s long-standing experience in cooperative development and support post-conflict recovery

Press release

Young refugees urge bold investment in leadership, education and economic inclusion at ECOSOC Youth forum

At a high-level side event during the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025, young refugees shared stories of their innovative actions in their communities and advocated for stronger global commitment to promote socio-economic inclusion for displaced youth.