Green Business
Green Skills for Iraq’s Youth: Italian Funding Paves the Way for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
25 January 2024
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العربية
Basra, Iraq (ILO News) – January 23, 2024, A collaborative effort between the International Labour Organization (ILO), Iraqi ministries and universities, and funded by the Government of Italy, has culminated in the successful workshop geared towards equipping youth in southern Iraq with skills they need to pursue sustainable green businesses and startups.
The initiative - led by an ILO project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and in collaboration with the Iraqi ministries of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), Youth (MOY), and Environment (MOEN), as well as universities in the Al Muthanna and Basra governorates in southern Iraq - aims to enhance support for private sector development and decent work creation, with a particular focus on supporting young people to transition into sustainable green businesses.
The workshop, which brought together 30 participants, including representatives from the three ministries, Basra University, Al Muthanna University focused on the practical application of the ILO tool "How to work in the green economy? A guide for young people, job seekers, and those who support them," specifically tailored to align with Iraqi contexts.
Participants not only gained insights into green career paths and essential skills but also received guidance on how to effectively transfer this knowledge to youth in their respective communities, ensuring the workshop’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Shatha Salih from directorate of labour in Basra stated, "The success of this workshop demonstrates the collective commitment of the ILO, Iraqi ministries and our esteemed universities to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the green economy."
The "How to work in the green economy?" guide, utilized throughout the workshop, provided practical guidance for participants in formulating comprehensive plans for their professional goals. It covered critical aspects such as identifying green career paths, acquiring relevant skills, and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.
“The transition to the green economy will inevitably involve destruction of some jobs, but at the same time, the creation of new ones. The ILO estimate that about 25 million net new jobs can potentially be created by 2030 globally. This workshop addressed the imperative for individuals to proactively prepare themselves for this transformation by acquiring relevant skills and understanding the diverse career options available.” Amaal Bani Awwad, ILO technical officer.
In alignment with the Italian-funded project, the ILO will continue to collaborate with partners to provide training on its flagship method “Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)” and financial education programs. SIYB is designed to respond to the progressive stages of business development, while the financial education program, and financial education programs for youth and small business owners seeking to grow or develop their ventures.
The ILO will also work with financial institutions to design products and services that support the needs of their clients, including guidance on integrating "Just Transition"—a strategy to address pressing environmental challenges—into their strategies and operations.
"The Directorate of Youth is proud to be part of this collaborative initiative that empowers young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a sustainable future. We believe that the youth are key agents of change, and initiatives like these ensure they are equipped to make a positive impact on the environment and society." — [Hassan Mohsin], Directorate of Youth.
The burgeoning green economy in Iraq is set to create a substantial number of jobs across various sectors. The focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green shipping will contribute to environmental sustainability while fostering economic growth. The transition towards a green economy is also expected to spur the development of eco-friendly businesses and entrepreneurship, highlighting Iraq's commitment to a sustainable and job-intensive future.
Haider Ibrahim from the directorate of Environment in Basra sees the importance of fostering a green economy and is pleased to collaborate on this workshop. Educating our youth on sustainable practices is crucial for the future of our planet. By integrating environmental awareness into career choices, we contribute to building a society that is conscious of its impact on the Earth.
"Hussam Saadi from AL Muthanna University is delighted to participate in this workshop, aligning our academic efforts with the practical needs of our students and graduates. We believe that education should go beyond classrooms, and this workshop provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the green economy and contribute to a sustainable future."
This initiative falls under the “Towards more and better employment through enhanced support to private sectors in southern Iraq – with a focus on green business" project, implemented by the ILO with the support of Italy. The project is part of broader efforts under the Iraq Decent Work Country Programme signed by the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations and the ILO to promote employment opportunities and decent work.
The initiative - led by an ILO project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and in collaboration with the Iraqi ministries of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), Youth (MOY), and Environment (MOEN), as well as universities in the Al Muthanna and Basra governorates in southern Iraq - aims to enhance support for private sector development and decent work creation, with a particular focus on supporting young people to transition into sustainable green businesses.
The workshop, which brought together 30 participants, including representatives from the three ministries, Basra University, Al Muthanna University focused on the practical application of the ILO tool "How to work in the green economy? A guide for young people, job seekers, and those who support them," specifically tailored to align with Iraqi contexts.
Participants not only gained insights into green career paths and essential skills but also received guidance on how to effectively transfer this knowledge to youth in their respective communities, ensuring the workshop’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.
Shatha Salih from directorate of labour in Basra stated, "The success of this workshop demonstrates the collective commitment of the ILO, Iraqi ministries and our esteemed universities to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the green economy."
The "How to work in the green economy?" guide, utilized throughout the workshop, provided practical guidance for participants in formulating comprehensive plans for their professional goals. It covered critical aspects such as identifying green career paths, acquiring relevant skills, and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.
“The transition to the green economy will inevitably involve destruction of some jobs, but at the same time, the creation of new ones. The ILO estimate that about 25 million net new jobs can potentially be created by 2030 globally. This workshop addressed the imperative for individuals to proactively prepare themselves for this transformation by acquiring relevant skills and understanding the diverse career options available.” Amaal Bani Awwad, ILO technical officer.
In alignment with the Italian-funded project, the ILO will continue to collaborate with partners to provide training on its flagship method “Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)” and financial education programs. SIYB is designed to respond to the progressive stages of business development, while the financial education program, and financial education programs for youth and small business owners seeking to grow or develop their ventures.
The ILO will also work with financial institutions to design products and services that support the needs of their clients, including guidance on integrating "Just Transition"—a strategy to address pressing environmental challenges—into their strategies and operations.
"The Directorate of Youth is proud to be part of this collaborative initiative that empowers young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a sustainable future. We believe that the youth are key agents of change, and initiatives like these ensure they are equipped to make a positive impact on the environment and society." — [Hassan Mohsin], Directorate of Youth.
The burgeoning green economy in Iraq is set to create a substantial number of jobs across various sectors. The focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green shipping will contribute to environmental sustainability while fostering economic growth. The transition towards a green economy is also expected to spur the development of eco-friendly businesses and entrepreneurship, highlighting Iraq's commitment to a sustainable and job-intensive future.
Haider Ibrahim from the directorate of Environment in Basra sees the importance of fostering a green economy and is pleased to collaborate on this workshop. Educating our youth on sustainable practices is crucial for the future of our planet. By integrating environmental awareness into career choices, we contribute to building a society that is conscious of its impact on the Earth.
"Hussam Saadi from AL Muthanna University is delighted to participate in this workshop, aligning our academic efforts with the practical needs of our students and graduates. We believe that education should go beyond classrooms, and this workshop provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the green economy and contribute to a sustainable future."
This initiative falls under the “Towards more and better employment through enhanced support to private sectors in southern Iraq – with a focus on green business" project, implemented by the ILO with the support of Italy. The project is part of broader efforts under the Iraq Decent Work Country Programme signed by the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations and the ILO to promote employment opportunities and decent work.