Baghdad-INA
The International Labour Organization (ILO) in Iraq said on Thursday that continued urban growth in the country was contributing to efforts to achieve social security.
ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq Mr. Igor Bosc told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that his participation in the organisation's activities aimed to underscore the importance of social protection, particularly the role of social security in reducing the impact of poverty and unemployment.
He said Iraq was witnessing high unemployment rates despite possessing significant wealth that required better management and investment, adding that the unemployment rate stood at around 17%.
Bosc proposed several measures to address unemployment, including diversifying the economy and encouraging investment in small and emerging projects, particularly in sectors capable of generating broad employment opportunities such as agriculture, industrial workshops and services, in addition to activating the tourism sector and investing in natural resources.
He added that his visit to Iraq aimed to present visions and plans that could help draw up a roadmap for the relevant authorities to curb rising unemployment through carefully designed social security programmes targeting graduates, professionals and workers of varying skill levels, helping integrate them into the labour market and serve society.
Bosc said he was carrying a comprehensive work programme that included a set of proposed plans and measures to be presented to the Iraqi government for review by the relevant authorities in line with the nature and needs of Iraqi society.
He also expressed admiration for Iraq and its people, saying: "Baghdad is witnessing continuous growth, and we notice ongoing urban development that helps us in our work to achieve social security."
