Speech by the Deputy Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Launching Iraq Census results

Your Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Minister of Planning, Dr. Mohammed Tamim,
Your Excellency Minister of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Dara Rashid,
Esteemed guests and experts,
Colleagues and friends,

Peace be upon you, 

It is with great honor that I stand today at this significant event, which marks a remarkable milestone in Iraq’s development journey as we launch together 2024 Census results. This occasion is not merely a celebration of numbers and statistics; rather, it is a testament of the progress Iraq is making toward building a more prosperous and sustainable future.

In this context, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Iraq for this remarkable achievement, which reflects its steadfast commitment to progress and development. I also would like to express my gratitude to all officials and decision-makers present here today, whose tireless efforts have made this possible.

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to my colleagues at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), who have provided technical support to the Government of Iraq during the various stages of the census, thus enabling maximum benefit from available international expertise in this field.

The results of the census serve as a cornerstone in achieving the government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This data plays a crucial role in shaping general policies, prioritizing expenditures, and directing resources to the sectors most in need. Furthermore, they represent an essential tool for ensuring social justice in line with the national development priorities.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Government of Iraq in achieving its development goals. To this end, we have developed the “United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)”, a five-year partnership framework between the United Nations and the Government of Iraq aimed, specifically, at advancing this objective. 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mohammed Ali Tamim and the team of his esteemed Ministry for their relentless efforts and continuous support over the past year in developing the Cooperation Framework. At this critical stage, I urge the Government of Iraq to expedite the approval process, so that, we can move forward, in close partnership, toward achieving our mutual goals and making tangible progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We look forward to an effective partnership with the Government of Iraq in implementing the Cooperation Framework and enhancing its leadership role by considering financial contributions to the Trust Fund, to be established to support the implementation of the Cooperation Framework. 

Finally, I reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment, as a key partner, in supporting Iraq on its path towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. The UN stands ready to provide all necessary expertise and knowledge in various fields, particularly in relation to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thank you.