Iraq Advances Towards a National Public Works Programme Through Road Map Validation Workshop

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning (MoP) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), and under the European Union-funded Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) project, convened a validation workshop on the Road Map Process Report for the National Public Works Programme (NPWP) in Iraq. The workshop brought together high-level representatives of the Government of Iraq, the European Union, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and development partners to review and validate the proposed roadmap for the programme.

The workshop served as a platform to discuss the strategic direction, institutional framework, financing mechanisms, and implementation arrangements of the proposed National Public Works Programme. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review key findings and recommendations and contribute feedback towards the finalization of the roadmap.

The National Public Works Programme is aligned with the Government of Iraq’s National Development Plan (2024–2028). It aims to support job creation, poverty reduction, improvements in public assets, services, and natural assets, and sustainable economic development. By leveraging public investments, the programme seeks to generate decent work opportunities while contributing to the development of productive infrastructure, climate-resilient infrastructure, services, and natural and community assets.

Opening the workshop, Dr. Maha Al-Rawi, Director General of the Human Development Department at the Ministry of Planning, delivered a speech on behalf of the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Technical Affairs: " This workshop represents a key milestone in the process of building an integrated national program that contributes to enhancing job opportunities and achieving sustainable economic and social development".

Mr. Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Iraq, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting inclusive development and employment creation in Iraq:

"The European Union is proud to support Iraq’s efforts to develop a National Public Works Programme that places decent work, social inclusion, and sustainable development at its core. This initiative demonstrates the value of partnership and dialogue in designing solutions that create opportunities for people while contributing to long-term economic resilience."

Speaking at the event, Mr. Igor Bosc, ILO Country Coordinator for Iraq, emphasized the programme’s contribution to advancing decent work and inclusive growth:

"Public works programmes can play a transformative role in addressing unemployment while delivering tangible development outcomes. Through this collaborative process led by the Government of Iraq, the ILO is supporting the design of a programme that integrates decent work principles, promotes social inclusion, and contributes to sustainable job creation across the country."

The workshop agenda included presentations on the NPWP roadmap development process, the integration of decent work principles into the programme, its strategic relevance and national alignment, the proposed institutional and governance framework, as well as financing options, risk management measures, and monitoring and evaluation arrangements. Dedicated discussion sessions enabled participants to provide technical feedback and recommendations to support the finalization of the roadmap.

The outcomes of the workshop are expected to contribute to the final validation of the Road Map Process Report and support the transition from the planning phase towards the establishment and operationalization of Iraq’s National Public Works Programme, strengthening the role of public investment in creating decent work opportunities and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

This initiative contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq by supporting inclusive economic growth, decent work creation, and strengthened social protection systems, in line with national development priorities.

About BEIT

Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) is a European Union-funded project jointly implemented by UN-Habitat, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The Project aims to drive sustainable economic growth by creating decent employment opportunities through the advancement of Iraq’s affordable and green housing initiatives and the strengthening of the construction sector.