Iraq and the United Nations sign a cooperation framework for sustainable development 2025-2029
Iraq and the United Nations sign a cooperation framework for sustainable development 2025-2029
2025-12-25 01:54
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, the Iraqi government and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) signed a cooperation framework for sustainable development for the period 2025-2029, to enhance cooperation on four key strategic axes.
UNAMI stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning of Iraq, Mohammed Ali Tamim, and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in Iraq, Ghulam Mohammad Ishaqzai, signed the United Nations Framework for Cooperation for Sustainable Development for the period 2025-2029 between the United Nations and Iraq, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning in the center of the capital, Baghdad.
She explained that the cooperation framework is based “on four main strategic pillars, consistent with the National Development Plan 2024-2028 and Iraq Vision 2030, which are: improving access to education, health and social services: and ensuring that all Iraqis, especially women, children and families affected by displacement, have access to quality services and effective social protection systems.”
She added: “Job opportunities and economic growth: Supporting the provision and creation of job opportunities, empowering youth and women, and promoting sustainable and green economic initiatives, and protecting the environment and addressing climate change: Supporting Iraq’s efforts in managing its natural resources, adapting to the effects of climate change, and reducing disaster risks.”
In addition to “effective governance and the rule of law: strengthening the capacities of public institutions, promoting justice and equity, and supporting peace and social cohesion throughout Iraq,” according to the statement.
Tamim stressed that “this cooperation embodies Iraq’s commitment to building a brighter future for its people, and with the support of the United Nations, we can focus on achieving tangible progress that benefits all Iraqis. This new framework also allows us to unify resources, expertise and programs in a way that supports achieving our national goals and moving forward in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
For his part, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mohammed Al-Hassan, said in his speech that “the signing of the cooperation framework represents a natural and honorable shift in the relationship between the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq, which reflects an organized and responsible transition from the stage of supporting political stability to the stage of consolidating the sustainable development partnership between Iraq and the international organization.”
Ghulam Muhammad Ishaq explained that “this agreement constitutes a new chapter in our partnership with Iraq, following the conclusion of the UNAMI mission’s mandate and the gradual termination of humanitarian activities,” indicating that “the new cooperation framework will focus on providing integrated technical support and high-quality advice to support social and economic development in Iraq and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He added that “a high-level joint steering committee, co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator, and comprising representatives of government institutions and UN agencies, will oversee the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the cooperation framework, and will review progress annually to ensure that the framework remains on track.” Implementation will also be supported by “a dedicated partnership fund, along with a resource mobilization strategy to secure the necessary funding.”
shafaq.com
