All resources: Arab States

Press release

Arab States: Unions strategize on shaping a renewed social contract

From 12 to 13 February 2025, trade unions leaders, policy makers, representatives of employers’ organizations and academics discussed opportunities and strategies on shaping a renewed social contract in the Arab region.

A Market Systems Analysis on SMEs’ business incentives to contribute to social insurance schemes in Jordan

The Estidama++ programme aims to expand social security coverage in Jordan, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as female workers, non-Jordanian workers, and youth. Recognizing that the programme’s sustainability and success rely on employer...

Photo Essay

Agricultural infrastructure revamp transforms Lebanon, one greenhouse at a time

ILO-run greenhouse upgrade project supports farmers in boosting productivity and securing livelihoods amid economic challenges.

Crisis response

Rebuilding lives and livelihoods: ILO's response to the 2023 earthquake in Syria

Two years on from the devastating earthquake, the ILO comprehensive, employment-intensive response has addressed both immediate and long-term recovery needs.

ILO and Al-Quds University pledge to empower Palestinian youth through innovative cooperative models

The ILO and Al-Quds University signed an agreement to empower young Palestinian women and men with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to build and sustain cooperatives, with funding from Italy.

Apprenticeship in Yemen

Hilal: A journey from vulnerability to empowerment

One young man’s life is transformed through a vocational apprenticeship project by the ILO and the Social Development Fund, funded by the EU and Sweden, to empower youth amid the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

ILO and Spain conclude project to enhance market access for Palestinian agricultural cooperatives

The project’s closing ceremony showcased how strengthening agricultural cooperatives in the West Bank – by improving their marketing infrastructure, skills and digital capabilities – increases their capacity to create sustainable jobs and drive...

ILO Director-General calls for inclusive labour market reform amid global challenges

At the second Global Labour Market Conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlights the urgent need for collective action to tackle decent work deficits and foster equitable opportunities worldwide.

Press release

ILO boosts facilitation and communication skills to expand social security coverage across Jordan

Part of a multi-donor project, the initiative aims to improve social security awareness and engagement across Jordan’'s diverse and most vulnerable communities.

Empowering employers for a sustainable and digital future in the Gulf Region

Groundbreaking initiative explores innovating the Desert Economy

Empowering stakeholders and forging multi stakeholders’ partnerships to transform deserts into sustainable hubs for growth.

Interview

Minister AlRajhi: increased Saudi-ILO cooperation fosters decent work, social justice and inclusive development

In an interview with the ILO, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development H.E. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi discusses the Kingdom's vision for its labour market and its joint development programme with the ILO.

High-Level delegation highlights success of ILO's EU-funded ENABLE Project in Beirut

Key stakeholders witness socioeconomic impact of the EU-funded employment-intensive initiatives in the Lebanese capital’s Bourj Hammoud area.

Video

Empowering lives through skills: Sewing hope for displaced communities

The ILO trained Lebanese and Syrian participants, equipping them with job skills and producing essential winter supplies to foster resilience in the aftermath of conflict.

Video

Microfinance empowers farmers, youths and workers in Lebanon

By providing subsidized loans and training, the ILO supported over 1,550 Lebanese and Syrians, creating jobs and building resilience amid Lebanon's economic crisis.

ILO discusses maternity benefits and implications for labour markets in the Arab Gulf countries

Oman hosts workshop to review maternity protection policies and explore improvement opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Institutional assessment of Saudi Arabia’s Cooperative Societies Council: A path to strengthening cooperatives

In December 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a fact-finding mission as part of its institutional assessment of the Cooperative Societies Council (CSC), the Apex organization for cooperatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia...

ILO Brief

Building pathways for green jobs and climate-smart agritech in Lebanon

Explore how the ILO's BOUZOUR project is helping Lebanese farmers tackle the challenges of water scarcity and climate change through innovative agritech solutions. This brief provides an overview of the project's pilot interventions designed to...

ILO Brief

Sowing the seeds of change through private sector partnership

The ILO Building Inclusive Markets and Decent Work for Syrian Refugees and Lebanese Host Communities (BOUZOUR) project, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), is working to strengthen agricultural value chains, particularly...

Gaza: ILO resumes activities with emergency employment programme

The initiative marks a critical step in addressing the devastating socio-economic impact of the ongoing crisis on workers, employers, and their families while restoring vital services for the community.