Dialogue for a better future: A roundtable discussion on vocational education and training in Iraq
Iraq's complex social, political, and economic challenges, including inequality and political divisions, require urgent reforms. Efforts to solve these challenges are gradually increasing. Bringing together relevant stakeholders from government, civil society, academia and other stakeholders can be a first step to create mutual understanding and identify tangible solutions for such needed reforms. On May 2nd, 2024, several Iraqi decision makers and civil society representatives, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), participated in a roundtable discussion, organised with our partners Elbarlament e.V., on vocational education and training, with a focus on fair access for women and girls.
Advisor to MoYS, Dr. Ali Salman Mahdi, Development Counsellor of the German Embassy, Markus Braun, and Country Director at GIZ Iraq, Lutz Zimmermann, opened the roundtable on “Vocational Education and Training in Iraq” in the capital city of Iraq, Baghdad. This roundtable brought together Iraqi decision makers, representatives from different ministries, civil society organisations and trade unions to discuss the importance of improving skills of youth and employment opportunities.
Dr. Ali Salman Mahdi stressed that Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, has called youth initiatives a priority. For this reason, he stressed the importance of supporting youth’s employment as youth make up more than 60% of the Iraqi society and are both the backbone and future of Iraq. The German side highlighted its commitment to support inclusive dialogue processes benefiting youth’s vital role in shaping a brighter future for all.
“Youth are the backbone and future of Iraq." Dr. Ali Salman Mahdi, Advisor to MoYS
The continuing discussion in the second half of the round table focused on exploring opportunities, addressing challenges, and strategising development in vocational education, with a special emphasis on improving access to vocational training and education opportunities for girls and women. The discussion was both constructive and critical, with active participation from all representatives of ministries, civil society, and unions. They emphasised the need to make vocational training more appealing and involve the private sector. Suggestions included aligning training content with private sector needs through collaborations between vocational schools and companies, as well as providing training and job opportunities for graduates. Precarious working conditions and lack of job security were identified as obstacles for women pursuing education.
The discussion outcomes are intended to be incorporated into strategic recommendations and presented to relevant stakeholders in the future.
