ILO Conducts Workshop in Damascus to Analyze Decent Work Deficits and Support National Recovery Priorities
ILO Conducts Workshop in Damascus to Analyze Decent Work Deficits and Support National Recovery Priorities
The International Labour Organization (ILO) organized a workshop to analyze and study how decent work deficits intersect with conflict drivers, social grievances, and opportunities for building social cohesion and social justice in Syria. The workshop aimed to design and implement a support program aligned with national recovery priorities, with the participation of employers' representatives from the federations of chambers of industry, commerce, agriculture, and tourism.
The Chamber of Industry of Damascus and its Countryside hosted this workshop. The event was attended by Eng. Mohammad Ayman Al-Mawlawi (Secretary-General of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry and President of the Chamber of Industry of Damascus and its Countryside) and Mr. Mohammad Anas Sabagh (ILO National Coordinator – Syria Office). The meeting was also attended by Mr. Iyad Betanjaneh (Board Member of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry) and Khaldoun Dado (Director of the Federation).
The analysis is being conducted by a team from the "SWISS PEACC" organization, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The dialogue centered around the current state of industry, the main difficulties facing employers and workers, and the role of employers in representing their organizations. Additionally, the discussions covered sectors capable of generating labor-intensive job opportunities, mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue among employers, workers, and institutions, as well as proposed support priorities for the upcoming period.
The attending employers' representatives summarized the difficulties facing their businesses as follows: a shortage of skilled and technical labor, the ongoing impact of international sanctions on Syria, and the issue of local and global inflation which weakens purchasing power. They also highlighted rising production costs (especially energy carriers), social security fees, fluid labor in the seasonal agricultural sector, and the lack of proper sorting and packaging mechanisms compliant with international standards, alongside the overall instability of the economic situation.
Furthermore, participants emphasized the necessity of active participation by employers in representing their organizations, joining committees that discuss laws, and defending their interests to achieve economic growth. They also pointed out the high labor density in the textile, agro-industrial, and reconstruction sectors, stressing the need to focus on supporting these sectors through vocational training across all fields, establishing multiple training centers, bringing in international experts to leverage their expertise, and supporting the participation of Syrian sectors in international exhibitions.
At the end of the workshop, the organization stated that the results of these fruitful discussions will be taken into consideration in ongoing studies
21/5/2026
