All resources: Arab States

Key areas of support, partnerships, and implementation

ILO interventions in Lebanon’s agricultural sector

This factsheet presents an overview of the ILO’s interventions in Lebanon’s agricultural sector, highlighting key challenges, opportunities, and areas of support. It outlines a market-led, systems-based approach aimed at improving productivity,...

ILO and EU strengthen regional momentum for Second Chance Schools

The ILO and the European Union brought together key stakeholders from the MENA region to strengthen regional cooperation around Second Chance Schools as a central lever for policies to integrate NEETs.

Jordan advances policy dialogue and investment pathways for a Just Energy Transition

Strengthening national dialogue and partnerships to translate just energy transition ambitions into concrete policies and investment opportunities that support decent work and economic resilience

ILO Director-General urges governments to turn economic transformation into decent work

At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the central role of labour-market governance, skills and social justice in shaping inclusive growth in the digital and green transitions.

ILO Brief

Boosting productivity and decent work through affordable greenhouse upgrades

The brief details a piloted solution that empowers local metal workshops and manufacturers to provide affordable, low-cost, double-span greenhouses, thereby stimulating a decentralized supply chain. This innovative approach not only significantly...

Estidama++ project concludes, expanding social security to around 46,000 workers

The ILO and Jordan’s Social Security Corporation held a national event to highlight the project’s key achievements, lessons learned and expansion of social security coverage for vulnerable workers.

ILO Director-General urges a human-centred response to technological change and global labour market fragmentation

At the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the need for inclusive growth, a just transition and renewed social dialogue amid labour market disruption and geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing the impacts of extreme heat through social protection

International stakeholders at the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh explored how social protection can help protect workers, including migrant workers across the GCC-South Asia corridor, from the growing impacts of extreme heat.

Institutional Capacity Building

Employers strengthen capacity for sustainable textile production in Syria

Syrian textile and garment employers participated in an ILO-facilitated study tour to Italy, gaining practical insights into European market requirements, responsible business conduct, international labour standards and sustainable production.

Report

Climate-Smart and Water-Efficient Agriculture in Lebanon: Enhancing Productivity, Sustainability, and Decent Work

This report presents and analyses data from a climate-smart and water efficient pilot implemented across fifteen farms in Lebanon under the BOUZOUR project – Building Inclusive Markets and Decent Work for Syrian Refugees and Lebanese Host...

Lebanon moves forward on landmark pension reform implementation

Ministry of Labour and National Social Security Fund, and International Labour Organization continue coordination on the implementation of Lebanon’s new Pension Scheme.

Transnational Company Agreements in 2025 focused on fundamental rights, safety at work, and due diligence

The recently updated section of the ILO Repository on Cross-Border Social Dialogue identified environmental issues and technological changes as priorities.

Institutional capacity building

Strengthening expertise in labour relations and employment policies: A guide for employer and business membership organizations

This guide offers a comprehensive road map for establishing and strengthening a labour function within an employer and business membership organization (EBMOs). It is tailored to addressing the needs of chambers of commerce and similar organizations...

Article

From ideas to impact: How ILO training series is transforming the businesses of entrepreneurs in Jordan

Shireen, Hanin, and Linka share how a business and entrepreneurship course helped them turn their visions into successful ventures.

The United Arab Emirates ratifies the Protocol to Convention No. 29, reaffirming its commitment to fight against forced labour

The United Arab Emirates becomes the sixty third country worldwide and the second among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to ratify this instrument.

NDC 2.0 Review in the Arab States

Regional report of the integration of just transition themes in the Nationally Determined Contributions across the Arab States

This report reviews the second editions of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as submitted to the UNFCCC NDC portal by July 2024, according to the 9 policy areas of the guidelines, as per the ILO Guidelines for a just transition to...

Video

PROSPECTS Partnership in Jordan: Highlights from the year

Since 2019, the PROSPECTS Partnership has been strengthening opportunities for refugees and host communities across Jordan—supporting skills, jobs, protection, and resilience for a more inclusive future.

Occupational safety and health

Building a safety culture in Lebanon’s greenhouse sector

New OSH guidelines and on-site awareness sessions are helping greenhouse manufacturers and installers adopt safer practices across Lebanon.

From displacement to employment: Syrians build better lives through decent work in Jordan’s Zaatari Camp

ILO employment services are helping Syrian refugees like Hanan and Malika access training and secure jobs, while also supporting Syrians wishing to return to their country.

January 2026

Emergency employment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Employment promotion is a primary goal of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Emergency Response Plan's (ERP) Recovery Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The ERP is supported by a multi-donor pooled funding arrangement...