ILO and Arab Fund collaborate to boost employment impact of development programmes
Event underscores joint dedication to sustainable employment impact and regional cooperation amid evolving global labour market challenges specially in the Arab region.
19 December 2024
KUWAIT (ILO News) – The ILO and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development jointly organized a two-day workshop titled “Measuring and Maximizing Employment Impacts of Programs and Projects,” held in Kuwait from December 16-17.
Hosted by the Arab Fund with participation from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), the event brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore innovative tools and methodologies for enhancing employment outcomes in development initiatives. The discussions emphasized addressing the pressing jobs crisis in the Arab region and leveraging collaboration to promote sustainable development.
The workshop featured participants from ACG—a strategic alliance of ten leading Arab development finance institutions. Discussions centered on employment impact assessments, employment-intensive investment approaches, and international best practices, drawing on insights from international institutions and best practices.
The event focused on sustainable employment strategies and fostering collaboration, representing a significant step in addressing labour market challenges and supporting inclusive economic growth across the Arab region.
Leadership Insights
“We highly value our cooperation with the ILO, which provides valuable learning experiences essential for enhancing our operations in the Arab region,” said Badr AlSaad, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. “This workshop elevates our understanding of how to measure and maximize impactful employment outcomes to address the job crisis in the Arab World.”
ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, Peter Rademaker, highlighted the workshop’s importance in his opening address, stating: “This event underscores the ILO’s commitment to fostering sustainable employment and regional cooperation to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving global labour market in partnership with the ACG members. The ILO’s expertise in social safeguards, including ensuring occupational safety and health, and promoting compliance with international labour standards, is integral to creating impactful and equitable employment outcomes.”
Workshop Highlights
Participants were introduced to best practices such as the African Development Bank’s Youth, Jobs, and Skills Marker System and strategies to integrate employment-intensive approaches and conduct robust impact assessments and enhance employment impacts. These tools aim to optimize the employment outcomes of development programmes while ensuring alignment with global labour standards. Attendees shared experiences on maximizing employment outcomes, fostering a collaborative environment to shape tailored approaches for their respective institutions.
Strategic Goals
The event aligns with the ILO’s broader commitment to supporting Arab countries in addressing unemployment, particularly among youth, and promoting decent work. It provided a platform for capacity-building, technical assistance, and innovative partnerships, aligning regional efforts with global best practices.