Five years of promoting decent work in Iraq: A journey of resilience, partnership and progress

© ILO

© ILO

Five years ago, I arrived in Iraq to reinstate ILO presence with a deep sense of purpose, but also with the awareness that the road ahead would not be easy. I remember My first 100 days - the uncertainty, the security restrictions, the challenge of setting up a new office, and the weight of meeting high expectations. The journey from those early days to where we stand now has been one of resilience, learning and impact.

When I first arrived, Iraq was at a crossroads. Years of conflict had taken their toll on the labour market. Youth unemployment was high, social protection was limited, and many workers, especially in the informal sector, were extremely vulnerable. There was an urgent need for policies that could transition the country from crisis response to sustainable development. That was the daunting challenge before us: How do we help rebuild Iraq’s labour market in a way that promotes social justice, decent work and dignity for all?

Today, as I reflect on the past five years of promoting decent work in Iraq, I see not just challenges but incredible progress and achievements made possible by the commitment of Iraq’s government and social partners, and the resilience of its people.

Building a strong foundation: The ILO’s first office in Iraq

One of our initial milestones in 2020 was establishing the ILO’s first coordination office in Baghdad. The office was not just a physical space; it was a symbol of our long-term commitment to Iraq’s workforce. It allowed us to work more closely with government institutions, employers and workers to address the country’s most pressing labour market challenges. We supported our constituents and partners to launch Iraq’s first-ever Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2019-2024, a strategic roadmap that prioritized job creation and economic development, strengthening social protection and labour rights, and promoting social dialogue and fair labour governance. This framework has guided everything the ILO has done in Iraq since.

Milestone achievements: transforming Iraq’s labour market

One of the proudest moments in this journey was the passing of Iraq’s Social Security and Pensions Law No. 18 – a landmark reform that expanded coverage to informal workers and strengthened protections for Iraq’s workforce. This was a collective achievement, made possible by years of advocacy, technical support and policy dialogue by Iraq’s government and worker and employer representatives, with the dedicated support of the ILO. Today, workers have access to better social security, towards ensuring that no one is left behind. To complement this, a national awareness campaign was launched to educate workers and employers on their rights and responsibilities under the new law, making social protection a reality, not just a policy.

In a country where unemployment remains high, investing in skills and employment programmes was critical. The ILO worked closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Youth, the Higher Council for Youth and other stakeholders to introduce various initiatives, including skills training, green jobs and entrepreneurship and access to finance programmes. We also initiated a targeted public works programmes that created thousands of temporary jobs in specific governorates while rebuilding critical infrastructure, turning employment into a tool for both economic recovery and social stability. I am proud to relate that these initiatives among others helped decrease the unemployment rate from 16.5% in 2021 to 13.5% in 2024.

Through the ILO’s various programmes and initiatives, we focused on creating job opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Syrian refugees, and host communities. For me, the most powerful moments have been visiting these projects and seeing firsthand the impact of decent work on people’s lives: a young woman starting her own business, a refugee securing stable employment, a father finding dignity through work after years of displacement.

From the beginning of the ILO’s renewed journey in Iraq, we knew that sustainable progress requires strong institutions. We have worked closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, trade unions, and employer organizations to strengthen labour inspection systems, workplace safety standards, and social dialogue. Through training labour inspectors and social partners, we have helped Iraq move closer to international labour standards and ensured that decent work is not just a goal but a daily reality for many workers across the country.

Scaling up: From hundreds of thousands to $90 Million in funding

In the early days of the ILO’s renewed presence in Iraq, funding for our work in the country was modest; the few hundred thousand dollars were barely enough to cover operational costs and small-scale initiatives. However, through strategic partnerships, evidence-based advocacy and demonstrated impact, we gained the trust of donors and development partners. Today, we have mobilized over US $90 million in funding, supporting large-scale employment, social protection and labour market governance programmes across the country. This funding has allowed us to scale up interventions, increase support to national partners, reach more beneficiaries and create systemic change.

Establishing the Operations Support Unit OSU: A backbone for delivery

As our portfolio expanded, so did the need for a strong operational backbone. In response, we established the Operations Support Unit (OSU), a dedicated back-office structure that ensures the smooth implementation of all our projects in Iraq. This has significantly improved our ability to deliver impact at scale, ensuring that every dollar invested translates into meaningful change for Iraq’s workers and businesses.

Lessons learned and the road ahead

Five years in Iraq have taught me many lessons about resilience, about the power of partnerships, and about the ability of people to rebuild even in the toughest of circumstances.

Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq

As we look ahead, there is still much to do. Youth unemployment remains a challenge, women’s labour force participation is low, and the informal sector continues to grow. But I remain optimistic because I have seen what is possible when the right policies, partnerships and political will come together.

The past five years have shown us that change is possible, but it requires persistence, trust and commitment from all stakeholders.

A personal reflection

© ILO

© ILO

When I think back to my first meetings in Baghdad, where I was told that my presence here would be challenging, I can’t help but smile. Because, yes, it was challenging - but it was also rewarding beyond measure. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated government officials, trade unionists, employer representatives, business leaders and community advocates I have ever met. Their passion and determination to improve Iraq’s labour market have been the driving force behind everything the ILO has accomplished in the country.

Above all, I am grateful for the resilience of Iraq’s workers: the men and women who, despite the difficulties, show up every day to build a better future for their families and their country. They are at the heart of this journey.

Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq

Finally, I must acknowledge that none of the progress made in Iraq over the past five years would have been possible without the dedication, expertise and resilience of the ILO team. From policy development to field implementation, they have been at the centre of every initiative, advising, coordinating, training and advocating for decent work and social justice.

So, as we step into the next phase of our work in Iraq, I do so with renewed energy and a deep sense of purpose. Because I know that, together, we can continue to make decent work a reality for all.

Maha Kattaa- ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq