On World Youth Skills Day, a renewed conversation is taking shape across Iraq about the urgent need to invest in the country’s young talent and align education with the demands of the modern job market. As traditional employment routes become less certain, a growing number of graduates are building their own ventures, shifting focus towards entrepreneurship and freelance work.
Quick Facts
- Calls to invest in modern youth skills.
- Graduates increasingly favor private sector ventures.
- Digital and vocational training are in high demand.
A Call for a National Strategy
Experts and officials are highlighting the mismatch between academic output and market needs, pointing to digital and professional skills as critical requirements for today’s economy. The consensus is that practical training, volunteer work, and online freelancing are now essential pathways for gaining experience and building a career resilient to economic and technological shifts.
Nihal al-Shammari, head of the Regions Committee in the Council of Representatives, emphasized the need for an integrated government vision to invest in youth potential. She stated that supporting young people is fundamental to achieving national development and social stability.
According to al-Shammari, the current stage requires a significant update to the education and training systems. This includes equipping youth with modern skills in technology, innovation, and scientific research, expanding qualification programs, and directly linking educational curricula to the labor market’s needs to produce a competitive and creative workforce.
From Social Media to Private Label
The entrepreneurial trend is not just theoretical. Success stories are emerging, proving that building a business is a viable option for many graduates. Dhuha al-Abadi, a media college graduate, provides a compelling example. She launched a business selling detergents and perfumes on social media with minimal capital.
Her venture grew from a simple e-commerce operation into a dedicated store and a registered brand. Al-Abadi has since expanded her activities to include importing products and collaborating with Arab companies to manufacture goods under her own private label. She believes success is tied to persistence, quality, and earning customer trust, and she encourages other young people to look beyond government jobs and explore the opportunities in small businesses.
Driving Economic Growth
Observers agree that developing youth skills, supporting innovation, and expanding training programs are essential components for tackling unemployment and stimulating economic growth. By fostering an environment where young people can build their own projects, Iraq can better leverage their participation in the economy and open new avenues for national development.
About World Youth Skills Day
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, World Youth Skills Day is celebrated annually on July 15th. The day focuses on the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The event serves as a platform for dialogue between youth, educational institutions, employers, and policymakers on bridging the skills gap.
Source: Shiawaves
