Create a platform to promote sustainable employment, hosting a job fair in Basra

Tuesday, 3 December 2024 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the local government and UN-HABITAT, organized a job fair in Basra today, bringing together over 300 young graduates from ILO training programs, the fair connected participants with potential employers, resources, and knowledge, fostering economic growth through skill integration and enhancing resilience in the workforce. 

With the participation of more than 20 companies and stakeholders from the Directorate of Labour, the local government, and the Chamber of Industry, the event underscored the power of collaboration in addressing unemployment and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Hassan Al-Najjar, Deputy Governor of Basra for Labour and Social Affairs, Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Iraq Country Coordinator, and Muslim Qazimi, Head of the UN-HABITAT Iraq Program, alongside key partners and stakeholders. Among the activities featured were awareness sessions on the new Social Security Law, empowering youth with knowledge about their workplace rights and protections and highlighting how this law provides private-sector workers with benefits comparable to those in the public sector. The fair also showcased access to finance opportunities through MOLSA’s financial programs, supporting both career aspirations and entrepreneurial ambitions, while financial education session equipped attendees with knowledge about the programme and applying instructions Additionally, career guidance session offered practical support using ILO manuals, focusing on career development and working in the green economy. 

Dr. Maha Kattaa emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that the ILO is deeply committed to empowering youth with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, connecting them with opportunities, and building the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Iraq. Deputy Governor Hassan Al-Najjar highlighted the critical role of partnerships between government entities, international organizations, and the private sector, underscoring how collaboration creates pathways to employment and economic growth, giving young people the opportunities they deserve. Muslim Qazimi praised the event’s alignment with UN-HABITAT’s mission, stating, "UN-HABITAT is committed to creating sustainable cities by enhancing access to services, opportunities, and employment. Events like this job fair are crucial for empowering youth, strengthening urban resilience, and fostering long-term socioeconomic growth in Basra."

This initiative is part of the EU-funded project "Increasing Access to Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable Urban Population in Basra City in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis," implemented by UN-HABITAT Iraq in collaboration with the ILO.