EU and UNESCO initiate $10.5 million venture to fortify digital and eco-friendly competencies among Iraqi young adults
A Transformative EU-UNESCO Project for Iraq's Technical Education
The European Union and UNESCO have joined forces to revolutionise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Iraq with the "Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq" project. This ambitious initiative, running until the end of 2027, aims to prepare over 5,000 youth, women, and vulnerable groups for a climate-resilient and technology-driven future.
The project targets provinces such as Baghdad, Basra, Ninawa, and Erbil, equipping Iraqi students with market-relevant green and digital skills to improve employability and economic stability. By updating curricula and qualifications frameworks, promoting private sector partnerships, and enhancing the TVET environment, the project aligns with Iraq’s National Education Strategy 2022–2031.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Equipping youth with essential green and digital skills to boost employability and economic stability.
- Incorporating green competencies and digital transformation within technical and vocational education programs.
- Supporting inclusivity by targeting underrepresented groups, including women and vulnerable populations.
- Aligning TVET reforms with Iraq’s sustainable development and economic diversification goals.
- Strengthening cooperation between Iraqi ministries, technical universities, vocational schools, and international partners.
The project is being led by UNESCO, with the European Union providing funding and support. Key Iraqi government entities such as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Education are actively involved, along with universities like Northern Technical University, Middle Technical University, Tikrit University, and Al-Iraqia University.
This collaborative initiative is considered a strategic step forward for Iraq’s technical education sector, aiming to better align vocational training with global labour market demands through integration of sustainability and digital innovation principles. The project is also intended to contribute to promoting stability, economic development, and inclusive governance in Iraq, as emphasised by Dr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the EU in Iraq.
The project is being implemented in 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 aims to strengthen Iraq's TVET system by embedding green and digital skills into curricula and training programs.
This project is part of Iraq's broader vision for sustainable development and economic diversification, and it supports Iraq's efforts to respond to climate change and reduce the skills mismatch in the labour market. The project benefits more than 5,000 students in total, providing them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The online education platform is being integrated into the project to expand learning opportunities for the Iraqi students.
The project's focus on education-and-self-development emphasizes the acquisition of green and digital skills to enhance employability and promote economic growth.
The digital transformation of education programs through this initiative aligns with the global approach to learning, thereby making Iraqi students more competitive in the global labour market.
