Second Job Fair Held in Sulaymaniyah with Strong Turnout and Institutional Support

The job fair brought together nearly 40 employers offering around 600 employment opportunities across various sectors in Sulaymaniyah city. More than 300 job seekers participated, exploring potential career paths and engaging directly with company representatives.

This marks the second job fair in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) supported by the ILO, following the launch of the Job Matching Platform in November 2024. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote employment and enhance employability, expand social security coverage, strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, and increase the reach of the Job Matching Platform across the region.

The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Haval Abubakir, Governor of Sulaymaniyah, alongside Mr. Kwestan Mohammed Abdullah, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and a representative from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The fair was also attended by the Dean of Sulaymaniyah Polytechnic University, the Head of the Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce, several Director Generals, private sector leaders, academics, and media representatives.

In his opening remarks, Governor Abubakir expressed his full support for initiatives that enhance employment prospects and foster economic development in Sulaymaniyah. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between government institutions, academia, and the private sector to generate meaningful opportunities for the region’s youth.

As part of the event, a panel discussion titled "From Graduation to the Labour Market: Opportunities and Challenges" was held, bringing together key voices from government, academia, and the private sector. The session explored the main barriers young graduates face when entering the labour market and highlighted practical solutions to improve job readiness and employment outcomes. In addition, the event featured inspiring job success stories from young Iraqis who have benefited from career support initiatives. A video introduction showcased the objectives and functions of the Job Matching Platform, helping participants better understand how to navigate available opportunities and connect with potential employers.

The ILO reaffirms its commitment to working with national and regional stakeholders to promote decent work, enhance employability, and build inclusive labour markets throughout Iraq.