Baghdad: The Ministry of Labor and the European Bank are exploring cooperation in developing training and supporting youth opportunities in the labor market. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for Administrative, Financial, and Legal Affairs, Alaa Al-Sakini, met with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to discuss avenues for joint cooperation and the development of work areas related to the Ministry’s programs and services. This aims to support beneficiaries and broaden opportunities for young people to integrate into the labor market.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting addressed several key areas, including developing the human resources of those benefiting from the Ministry’s services, enhancing youth access to employment opportunities, developing vocational training and employment sectors, and supporting and developing the social security system.

Al-Sakini noted that the Ministry is working to build effective partnerships with international institutions, recognizing the importance of leveraging expertise and resources to develop the labor and social protection system. He explained that the Ministry places particular emphasis on vocational training and rehabilitation programs, linking them to the actual needs of the labor market to ensure a shift from a welfare-based approach to one of empowerment and productivity.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation with the EBRD in exchanging expertise and developing programs and projects that address the priorities of the Iraqi labor market.

For its part, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) delegation expressed its interest in strengthening cooperation frameworks with the Ministry of Labor and supporting areas that would develop human resources, empower youth, and improve access to the labor market. They also discussed areas of cooperation related to employment, vocational training, and social security.