Strategy for Supporting Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) in Business Integration : Lessons and Policy Recommendations from Global and Regional Stakeholder Engagements

Overview & Synopsis

Between July and September 2024, Five One Labs, with the support of the World Bank and the contribution of various international organizations, hosted a series of strategic discussions and roundtables aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in integrating into the business ecosystems of Iraq. This report brings insights from these engagements, including online and in-person meetings and contributions from stakeholders in Europe and across the Middle East. The discussions featured representatives from Iraq, the Netherlands, Greece, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine, providing a comprehensive, cross-regional perspective on FDPs' business-related barriers and potential solutions. The compiled findings offer an analysis of the unique legal, financial, and social obstacles that FDPs in Iraq encounter when trying to access essential services, secure employment, or establish businesses. The discussions highlighted how each country’s experience presents both universal challenges and region-specific nuances, leading to tailored policy recommendations for Iraq. This report combines key challenges, successful regional practices, and solutions to form a strategic approach that could be instrumental for policymakers, NGOs, and business leaders aiming to create a more inclusive business environment for FDPs. The goal is to foster sustainable economic participation, build resilience among FDPs, and leverage their potential to contribute to local economies, ultimately promoting economic stability and integration in host countries.