Minister of Labour and the International Labour Organization Discuss Joint Programmes and Highlight the Role of Sports in Promoting Social Security Awareness
21 April 2025
On Wednesday, 16 April 2025, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al-Asadi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, met with a delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) headed by Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq. The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Ministry’s Department of Media and Public Relations, and the Director General of the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as several former stars of Iraq’s national football team.
The meeting included a review of the activities implemented under the National Decent Work Programme and discussions on the ongoing preparations for the second phase of the programme for the period 2025–2029. This upcoming phase aims to align with Iraq’s development priorities and its commitment to promoting decent work for all.
Both sides discussed ways to strengthen labour market governance and develop national legislation related to labour, occupational safety and health (OSH), and trade union organization. The discussion also addressed the expansion of social security coverage and raising awareness about the new Labour Retirement and Social Security Law.
Minister Al-Asadi emphasized that sports, especially football, are an effective communication tool for raising public awareness, particularly among youth. He underscored the importance of involving national sports figures in social awareness campaigns to promote a culture of social security and encourage citizens to register in the social security system, reducing reliance on public sector jobs.
The former national team players present at the meeting expressed their willingness to contribute to sporting events that incorporate awareness messages about workers' rights and social security. They also supported the idea of leveraging sports occasions and matches as platforms to spread these messages.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister praised the ILO’s continued technical support in developing labour-related legislation and policies that promote rights at work. He also expressed his appreciation for the ILO’s positive engagement with the Ministry’s proposal to use sports as a tool for awareness and development. In recognition of their valuable contributions, the Minister presented commemorative shields to the ILO delegation and former football stars.
Dr. Maha Kattaa reaffirmed the ILO’s readiness to continue its constructive collaboration with the Ministry, workers' organizations, and employers’ organizations to achieve the goals of the Decent Work Programme and advance Iraq’s economic and social development.
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