Tony Kar Hong Tam, Head of the Education Section at the UNESCO Iraq Office, has reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Iraq in the development of its education sector, cultural landscape, and the preservation of its rich heritage. As part of this effort, he announced the implementation of the third phase of Iraq’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.

“UNESCO supported Iraq in implementing the TVET system during its first and second phases, and we are now moving forward with the third phase,” Tam stated. “This next stage focuses on improving quality and deepening collaborative relationships with key stakeholders through a participatory approach.”

He explained that this phase involves close coordination with three Iraqi ministries—Education, Higher Education, and Labor and Social Affairs—to update and develop curricula for technical and vocational schools. “This reflects strong cooperation with the Iraqi government to identify current trends and align education with labor market needs,” he added.

Tam further noted that UNESCO is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Iraqi labor market to identify priority areas for development. “There is a clear focus on the green economy and digital economy,” he said, “which are central themes of the TVET3 system. Once the assessment is complete, we will determine which sectors require targeted development.”

He emphasized UNESCO’s broader commitment to advancing education, science, and culture in Iraq. “We are working extensively on projects related to green growth, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation,” Tam said. “These initiatives are vital in the context of climate change and contribute to building sustainable and resilient systems for the future.”