All news for region

ILO COOP/SSE participates in the 11th Asia Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference hosted by the ICA-AP and Jordan

An ILO delegation attended the 11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference co-organized by the International Cooperative Alliance-Asia Pacific Region and the Jordan Cooperative Corporation at the Dead Sea in Jordan on 28-30 April 2024.

ILO leads initiative to rehabilitate key road networks and create decent jobs across Lebanon

The ILO’s Employment Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), with funding from Germany and in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport, has launched vital road maintenance projects across Lebanon.

ILO and the UK join forces to strengthen the national social protection system in Lebanon

As Lebanon grapples with multiple socio-economic challenges, UK government funding will help the ILO support Lebanese partners in implementing the National Social Protection strategy.

Press Release

Financial literacy for a Sustainable Future in Iraq

The ILO and the Central Bank of Iraq Launch the Financial Inclusion Week in Southern Iraq under the heading: “Towards Encouraging Savings to Enhance Financial Inclusion," with funding from the Government of Italy.

Fostering cooperative development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Press Release

ILO Director-General calls for national momentum to achieve social justice in Iraq

During a two-day visit, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo held talks with Iraq’s President, Prime Minister, senior Iraqi officials, social partners and youth representatives on advancing social justice and ensuring decent work in Iraq.

News item

ILO Director-General Houngbo calls for collective action in the Arab states to address growing challenges in the world of work

Gilbert F. Houngbo made his statement at this year’s Arab Labour Conference in Baghdad, where he invited stakeholders in the region to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

OSH and climate change

Climate change creates a ‘cocktail’ of serious health hazards for 70 per cent of the world’s workers

The health consequences of climate change can include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions.

Work-Based Learning Programme for vulnerable communities affected by earthquakes in Aleppo, Syria: An Explainer

The UAE introduces voluntary pensions to replace end-of-service indemnities, joining an increasing trend of reforms across the GCC countries

ILO and EU delegation visit ENABLE projects in Tripoli, Lebanon

A visit to work-based learning projects in Tripoli highlighted joint efforts by the ILO, the European Union, and national partners to enhance skills and improve employability of individuals.

ILO assessment

Palestinian unemployment rate set to soar to 57 per cent during first quarter of 2024

Bahrain takes leap forward in enhancing end-of-service rights for migrant workers

A new provident fund for end-of-service indemnity for migrant workers is established in the Social Insurance Organization as part of GCC-wide reforms to reform social protection systems in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Empowering Women in Lebanon's Industrial Sector

Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) launches women's task force with ILO support

Our impact, their voices

Photo essay: Woman-led cooperative in Jordan expands business and drives local change through cooperative alliances

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the endeavours of Jordan’s Fatima Al-Zahraa Cooperative Society with an in-depth interview featuring its president, Ghada Al-Qudah, and a photo gallery showcasing their activities. Tune in for their inspiring story!

Care economy

Investing in care policies can create millions of jobs in MENA, new ILO report finds

Marking International Women’s Day, the International Labour Organization Regional Office for Arab States (ILO ROAS) launched a pivotal report on the labour market impact of investing in the care economy in the Middle East and North Africa.

Navigating hardship: Lebanon's agricultural workers in the absence of social protection

The story of Tony Al Hazoury and his struggle for a decent life.

Business trends, workforce management solutions, digitalisation and data management among the topics discussed by business leaders from Asia and the Arab region

2nd Employers Leaders Network meeting in Singapore brings together representatives of key Asian and Arab employers' organisations to share experiences

Meaningful youth engagement

Work Wise Youth: ILO’s new guide to create awareness on youth rights at work

The ILO developed and launched a new guide to support young people, including the ones in forced displacement contexts, to understand their labour rights, in turn empowering them to advocate for fair and dignified working conditions.

ILO report

High unemployment rates to worsen despite optimistic economic outlook in Arab States

While many economies in the Arab States region continue their post-pandemic recovery, recovery of the labour market lags behind, requiring concerted efforts to intensify diversification and to create jobs in more resilient sectors, a new ILO report finds.