Karbala – Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and sponsored by the European Union (EU), hosted a symposium in Karbala to explore the intersection of the labor market, social protection, and climate change. The event drew a diverse group of participants, including Members of Parliament (MPs), local government officials, academics, activists, journalists, and heads of public service departments, alongside prominent economic and social figures.
Confronting Climate Challenges:
Ali Al-Talaqani, Head of the Forum, stated that the organization is actively mobilizing efforts to tackle climate challenges through programs designed to promote sustainable development. He added that these academic dialogues, featuring MPs and academic elites, aim to create a platform for relevant stakeholders to exchange ideas, building on previous discussions surrounding the enactment of Iraq's labor law.
Dr. Alaa Al-Silawi, Executive Director of the Forum, inaugurated the symposium by reaffirming the organization's commitment to finding joint solutions to societal challenges by engaging key stakeholders. He stressed the need for calculated steps to address labor market and social protection issues, advocating for innovative policies to create jobs and manage environmental threats. He expressed deep concern over the repercussions of climate change in Iraq and the resulting decline in job opportunities, particularly for the youth. Al-Silawi called on the government to work diligently toward establishing permanent solutions to these emerging crises.
Existential Threats and Legislative Action:
Representing the ILO, Dr. Adnan Al-Yassin emphasized that Iraq faces existential threats linked to climate change, exacerbated by soaring temperatures and demographic shifts. He highlighted the urgent need to invest in the youth's potential and explore new employment avenues tailored to the demands of the current era.
Addressing the role of the legislative branch, MP Jawad Al-Yaseri explained that the parliament is actively drafting laws to combat climate challenges while safeguarding human rights. He pointed to the ongoing efforts of specialized parliamentary committees, which are collaborating with relevant authorities to pass legislation aimed at mitigating contemporary crises.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Thamer Dawoud, a member of the Al-Nabaa Forum, highlighted the mutual impact between climate change and the labor market, calling for genuine, multi-level action. Warning that the sharp rise in temperatures is merely the beginning of future hurdles, he noted that the Iraqi labor market has already endured continuous setbacks over the past few years.
