New tripartite Social Dialogue Forum strengthens labour governance in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (ILO News) – The government, workers and employers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq now have a permanent institutional mechanism to jointly address labour market challenges and help shape policies affecting the world of work. A newly established Social Dialogue Forum brings the three parties together on an equal footing to strengthen their role in developing labour legislation, protecting workers’ rights, responding to changing labour market needs and supporting employment and sustainable economic and social development.

The Kurdistan Regional Government and workers’ and employers’ organizations officially launched the Social Dialogue Forum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on 1 September, establishing a permanent tripartite platform for consultation and cooperation on issues related to the world of work.

The launch culminated in the signing of the Forum’s Founding Document by H.E. Kwestan Mohamad Abdulla Maarouf, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government; Hengaw Abdullah Khan, representing workers’ organizations; and Gailan Saeed Aziz and Rizgar Jamal Karim, representing employers’ organizations.

The establishment of the Forum was supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) project, funded by the European Union.

The Founding Document establishes equal representation of the three constituents – government, workers and employers – in both the Forum and its Secretariat. It provides an institutional framework for regular consultation, exchange of information and cooperation on labour and related socio-economic issues.

The Forum’s objectives include strengthening social dialogue; reviewing and contributing to the development of labour legislation; following up on its implementation; promoting trade union rights and freedoms; discussing economic and social policies related to the labour market; and supporting the effective implementation of international labour standards.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Kwestan Mohamad Abdulla Maarouf said the establishment of the Forum represented more than the signing of a document, describing it as an important step towards a new phase of partnership and cooperation between the government, workers and employers.

“Let today’s signature not simply be our names on a document, but a commitment to working together – choosing dialogue over disengagement, understanding over confrontation, joint solutions over unilateral decisions, and partnership between government institutions and the social partners,” the Minister said.

She stressed that the Forum should translate dialogue into action and provide a space for continuous engagement on labour legislation, working conditions, workers’ rights and trade union freedoms, international labour standards and the challenges facing the labour market.

Claire Courteille-Mulder, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, welcomed the establishment of the Forum as an important milestone in strengthening tripartite social dialogue in the Kurdistan Region.

“Today marks both the culmination of a constructive tripartite process and the beginning of a new phase of institutionalized social dialogue in the Kurdistan Region,” she said.

While reaffirming the ILO’s commitment to provide technical expertise, capacity development and opportunities for learning from social dialogue experiences in Iraq, the Arab States and internationally, Courteille-Mulder emphasized that the sustainability of the new institution would depend on the ownership of its members.

“The Forum itself belongs to its tripartite constituents. Its strength and sustainability will depend on the continued engagement and ownership of the Government, workers’ organizations and employers’ organizations in the Kurdistan Region,” she said.

Courteille-Mulder also expressed appreciation to the European Union for its support to the ILO’s work through the BEIT project to promote decent work, strengthen social dialogue and support inclusive labour market institutions in Iraq.

Workers’ representatives highlighted the importance of social dialogue in supporting labour legislation, protecting workers’ rights and following up on the effective enforcement of labour laws. They also emphasized the role the Forum can play in supporting employment policies and programmes in the Kurdistan Region.

Employers’ representatives stressed the importance of structured dialogue in developing labour-related laws and regulations, supporting enterprises and investment, responding to changing labour market needs, and promoting employment and sustainable economic development. They also reaffirmed their commitment to actively participate in the Forum and contribute to its work.

The launch was attended by tripartite representatives of the Social Dialogue Forum from Federal Iraq, opening opportunities for exchange of experiences and mutual learning between the two Forums, while each develops its work according to its own institutional context and the priorities identified by its tripartite constituents.

Following the signing ceremony, members of the newly established Forum and representatives of the ILO held a joint press conference, highlighting the importance of the Forum and the role that effective tripartite social dialogue can play in supporting economic and social development in the Kurdistan Region.

The launch marks the beginning of the Forum’s institutional work. Under its Founding Document, the Forum will meet periodically and may establish specialized working committees to address labour legislation, social security, employment, occupational safety and health, and other priorities identified by its members. It may also draw on legal, economic and social expertise to support its discussions and recommendations.

The ILO will continue to provide technical support as the Forum moves from establishment to effective and sustainable functioning, while its priorities and future direction will be determined by its tripartite members.

This achievement is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq 2025–2029, which identifies sustainable economic development, livelihoods and employment, as well as good governance and the rule of law, among its key priorities.

To contact

ILO Iraq Communication - Raghda Muhi

+964 790 194 6269 - muhi@ilo.org