Exchange on enterprise tools and approaches adapted and applied in contexts of forced displacement

© ILO/Elisa Oddone

"Dialogues of displacement - Perspectives from ILO Practitioners", a new platform designed by ILO’s Action Programme on Crisis (AP/Crisis), the Labour Migration Branch (MIGRANT) and Partnership for improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities (PROSPECTS )to foster dialogue, learning, and collaboration among ILO colleagues working in contexts of forced displacement. 

This inaugural session, organized in collaboration with the Micro Small and Medium Size Enterprise (MSME) Unit of the Enterprise Department, focuses on enterprise development in forced displacement settings. Drawing on insights and experiences from ILO country offices and technical departments, the session aims to explore how ILO tools and approaches are being adapted to support both host communities and forcibly displaced populations, while strengthening institutional learning and networks across the organization.

Overview

This 90 minute session explores the role of enterprise development in forced displacement contexts, focusing on key questions that shape ILO’s work. What types of businesses operate in these settings, and who is employing or selling to whom? How have ILO tools and approaches influenced policies that improve refugee access to labour markets? The session also examines how programmes can stimulate enterprise growth in underdeveloped ecosystems, and how enterprise interventions can foster equality, inclusion, and social cohesion. Finally, it looks at how decent working conditions are monitored and upheld within enterprises supported by the ILO. These questions guide peer learning and strategic reflection.

Case studies 

• PROSPECTS, Uganda: In partnership with the private sector partner Ag-Plutos, the PROSPECTS intervention sought to develop the sesame value chain, employing a village agent model.
• Bozour, Lebanon: The BOUZOUR project promotes decent employment opportunities for both Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees, focusing on the agriculture and agri-food sector. Operating in a fragile context, the project follows a market systems approach to stimulate job creation and sustainable growth. It targets high-potential value chains—such as cherries—and supports smallholder farmers, cooperatives and agri-SMEs with market-driven solutions and improved working conditions, under crisis conditions. 
• Estidama++, Jordan: Designed to support the extension of social security coverage to vulnerable workers in Jordan, specific focus was placed on understanding and addressing social security barriers for MSME owners and employees.  

Programme and Speakers 

Participants

This is ILO's internal knowledge exchanges and colleagues with ILO email id will be able to register and participate.