UfM Informal Economy Workshop Opportunities, Trends and Best Practices

16-17 September 2025, Istanbul, Türkiye – The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean, in partnership with the German Development Cooperation and with the support of the European Commission (Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion), will be holding the UfM Informal Economy Workshop: Opportunities, Trends and Best Practices on 16^th and 17^th September in Istanbul.

During the 2022 Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Declaration on Employment and Labour, the UfM Ministers of Employment and Labour emphasized the importance of supporting the transition from informal to formal employment, particularly for women and workers in the shadow economy, home-based jobs, MSMEs, agriculture, and part-time or self-employment. They called for measures such as incentives for businesses, pilot projects, expanded social protection, and fair wages to ensure decent living standards. Acting upon this mandate, the UfM Informal Economy Workshop will facilitate synergy-building, focused discussions and peer-exchange, and will explore the possibility of transfer of knowledge when and if needed. It will benefit from the participation of these actors and an outcome document will emanate from the Dialogue to be made available to all stakeholders. It will also feed into the upcoming 6^th UfM Ministerial on Employment and Labour (Malta, 13 and 14 October 2025).

The Workshop will bring together diverse stakeholders for interactive discussions and expert panels aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities related to informality in the labor market. It will explore pathways for transitioning from informal to formal economies, highlight emerging trends shaping informal employment, and showcase successful regional initiatives. Through collaborative dialogue, the event seeks to identify practical solutions and foster partnerships that support inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Concept Note

Register – The UfM Secretariat will confirm participation according to availability.