Government of Iraq and United Nations Sign the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Period 2025–2029

Today, the Government of Iraq and the United Nations in Iraq signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2025 to 2029. The Cooperation Framework was signed by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Ali Tamim, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning on behalf of the Government of Iraq, and Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on behalf of the United Nations. 

Under this Cooperation Framework, 25 United Nations’ agencies, funds and programmes will provide technical assistance in support of Iraq’s national priorities and plans aligned with Iraq’s vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.  It reflects a shared vision to advance progress in key areas such as education, healthcare, job creation, climate action, and good governance. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring no one is left behind, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.

The UNSDCF focuses on four key strategic priorities that align with Iraq’s National Development Plan 2024-2028 and Vision 2030:

1. Better Access to Education, Health, and Social Services: Ensuring all Iraqis, especially women, children, and displaced families, have access to quality services and social protection system.
2. Jobs and Economic Growth: Creating opportunities for employment, empowering youth and women, and supporting sustainable and green economic initiatives.
3. Protecting the Environment and Fighting Climate Change: Helping Iraq manage its natural resources, adapt to climate change, and reduce disaster risks.
4. Good Governance and Rule of Law: Strengthening public institutions, promoting fairness and justice, and advancing peace and social cohesion.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tamim added: “This partnership reflects Iraq’s dedication to building a brighter future for its people. With the support of the United Nations, we can focus on achieving meaningful progress that benefits all Iraqis. The new framework will allow us to combine resources and expertise, and programmes to achieve our goals and deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

“Signing the Framework is a natural and honorable transition of the relationship between the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq. It reflects an orderly and responsible departure from support to political stability to the stage of consolidating sustainable development partnership between Iraq and the organization”, Said Dr. Al-Hassan in his speech.

The UNSDCF marks a significant shift in the UN’s engagement in Iraq - from humanitarian response to long-term sustainable development - as the country moves beyond post-conflict recovery and builds on the achievements of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) over two decades of presence.

“This agreement marks a new chapter in our partnership with Iraq following the departure of UNAMI and phase out of our humanitarian activities. The new Cooperation Framework will focus on providing integrated and high-quality technical expertise and policy advice to support Iraq’s socio-economic development and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr. Isaczai said at the event.

Under the joint leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Ministry of Planning, this Cooperation Framework was developed through a consultativeprocess involving government entities, donor partners, civil society actors, and representatives from the private sector. Implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the UNSDCF will be guided by a High-Level Joint Steering Committee co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator, bringing together government institutions and UN agencies to review progress annually and ensure the framework remains on track. Implementation will be supported by a dedicated Partnership Fund, alongside a resource mobilization strategy to secure the necessary funding.