UNESCO and EU Launch $10.5M Project to Boost Green and Digital Skills for Iraqi Youth

UNESCO  and the European Union (EU)  launched the third phase of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform project titled “Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq”, aiming to equip Iraqi youth with the skills needed for a climate-resilient and technology-driven future.

“Iraqi youth future is at EU’s heart of supporting Iraq through initiatives promoting stability, economic development, and inclusive governance over the last 15 years. A key focus is enhancing TVET to equip youth with market-relevant skills and boost employment opportunities.”

– Dr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU, Iraq 

Mr. Kar Hung Antony Tam, Chief of Education of UNESCO Office in Iraq, appreciated the funding support from EU and the close partnership, which effectively builds on the foundations of the previous two phases of the TVET reform projects to advance the support of Iraqi youth for increasing their employability with green and digital skills.

This third phase is running until the end of 2027 to strengthen Iraq’s TVET system by embedding green and digital skills into curricula and training programs. The project targets youth, women, and vulnerable groups including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and refugees, to ensure inclusive access to learning and employment.

Aligned with Iraq’s National Education Strategy (2022–2031), the project will revise the Technical Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF), develop the TVET environment, and promote partnerships with the private sector. It also supports Iraq’s efforts to respond to climate change while reducing the skills mismatch in the labor market.

The project targets eight technical and polytechnic universities (in Baghdad, Basra, Ninawa, Najaf, Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah). In addition, it targets eight vocational schools (in Baghdad, Babil, Qadisiyah, Basra, ThiQar, Ninawa, Salah Al-din, Erbil), and two vocational centers (in Basra, Salah Al-Din), benefitting more than 5,000 students.

In a meeting with Dr. Wadah Amir Hatim Al-Tamemi, President of Middle Technical University, during which the project was discussed, Dr. Wadhah said:

“We aspire for this project to serve as a successful model in the region and to achieve real impact in developing technical education in Iraq.”

– Dr. Wadah Amir Hatim Al-Tamemi, President, Middle Technical University

This EU-funded project is implemented by UNESCO in close collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and with the support of the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq of the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission, and the Ministry of Planning. The project contributes to Iraq’s broader vision for sustainable development and economic diversification.