UNFPA and Government Convene First Dual-City Annual Review in Baghdad and Erbil

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Iraq, in partnership with the Ministry of Planning, convened its Annual Review Meeting yesterday, held simultaneously in Baghdad and Erbil for the first time, underscoring a unified national vision to translate population data into sustainable development action.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives of the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, alongside key international partners, including the Ambassador of Spain, the Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Director of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and senior representatives from the Embassy of Japan and the French Embassy, reflecting strong international support for Iraq’s development transition.

The high-level meeting reviewed results from 2025, the first year of implementing UNFPA’s Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2029, and set strategic priorities for 2026, following the successful completion of Iraq’s General Population and Housing Census in 2024—the first in nearly four decades.

Chairing the meeting, Dr. Mahir Juhan, Deputy Minister of Planning for Technical Affairs, highlighted the government’s commitment.

““We welcome the continuation of our partnership with the United Nations Population Fund throughout 2026, and we are committed to holding these meetings annually given their importance in reviewing progress and assessing results achieved. The strong participation of our partners reflects a shared commitment to supporting UNFPA’s programmes and strategic directions for 2026. UNFPA remains a key partner to the Ministry of Planning and national institutions.” Dr. Juhan stated.

Speaking at the opening, UNFPA’s Representative in Iraq, Dr. Hind Jalal,  emphasized the significance of the transition year.

“2025 tested our new direction, from emergency response to strengthening national systems. Our focus now is clear: government ownership, evidence-based policy, and institutional sustainability. The census gives Iraq a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn data into smarter investments for women, youth, and communities,” Dr. Hind Jalal said.

Key 2025 achievements presented at the meeting included:

• Advancing population dynamics from data collection to policy action, including support to national digital data systems (GIS and cybersecurity).
• Strengthening reproductive health systems through the rollout of the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) for family planning commodities in eight governorates and the establishment of fully operational Centers of Excellence in four governorates.
• Promoting legal and social frameworks to end harmful practices and violence against women and girls, alongside continued life-saving services for vulnerable women and girls.
• Mainstreaming youth priorities across health and protection programmes in line with UNFPA’s mandate.

Looking ahead to 2026, participants agreed on a clear roadmap: advancing post-census thematic studies, modernizing civil registration and vital statistics, expanding financial protection for women’s and children’s health within the national insurance system, completing the nationwide eLMIS rollout, and intensifying advocacy for legal protection from violence—while sustaining essential protection services.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to transparent follow-up, joint financing, and sustained partnership to ensure that Iraq’s transition delivers lasting, inclusive results.