UNESCO and the European Union have launched the third phase of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform project, “Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq.” The initiative aims to prepare Iraqi youth for a climate-resilient, technology-driven future by embedding green and digital skills into training and curricula.
Running until the end of 2027, the project targets youth, women, and vulnerable groups such as IDPs, returnees, and refugees, ensuring inclusive access to education and employment. It supports Iraq’s National Education Strategy (2022–2031) through updates to the Technical Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF), strengthening the TVET environment, and promoting private sector partnerships.
The programme will benefit over 5,000 students across eight technical and polytechnic universities, eight vocational schools, and two vocational centres in multiple provinces, including Baghdad, Basra, Ninawa, Erbil, and others.
EU Head of Cooperation in Iraq, Dr. Lennart Deridder, said the EU has prioritised equipping Iraqi youth with market-relevant skills for stability and economic growth over the last 15 years. UNESCO’s Chief of Education in Iraq, Kar Hung Antony Tam, highlighted that this phase builds on previous efforts to advance youth employability through green and digital competencies.
Dr. Wadah Amir Hatim Al-Tamemi, President of Middle Technical University, expressed hopes that the project will become a model for technical education in the region. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with Iraq’s key ministries and agencies, aligning with the country’s broader sustainable development and economic diversification goals.
