UNFPA and the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports Launch Preparations for the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (UNSCR 2250)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports, relevant sectoral ministries, and with support from the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office, organized a consultative workshop to discuss the development of the National Action Plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in Iraq.

Held in the Holy City of Karbala, the workshop aimed to strengthen coordination among national stakeholders and sectors to develop a comprehensive and actionable implementation plan for Iraq’s Youth, Peace and Security Strategy.

In his remarks, Dr. Ali Fadhil Al-Difaie, Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for Youth Affairs, emphasized the critical role of young people in nation-building and sustainable development. He highlighted the important contribution of Iraqi youth in countering violent extremism during the humanitarian crisis Iraq experienced, describing their efforts as a unique example of resilience and commitment in confronting terrorism and safeguarding communities.

Speaking on behalf of UNFPA Representative, Dr. Mahdi Al-Alaq, Senior Advisor , reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working closely with national partners to support the development of the National Action Plan. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the plan is sectoral, practical, and implementable, noting the significant demographic importance of youth as highlighted by the results of Iraq’s 2024 Population and Housing Census.

Dr. Amir Malik Al-Shibli, Director General of the Coordination and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, presented the National Youth, Peace and Security Strategy and outlined the collaborative efforts undertaken by various sectors in its development. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to finalizing and endorsing the Action Plan to ensure national ownership and the delivery of strategic programmes that promote meaningful youth participation and strengthen their role in advancing peace and security in Iraq.

This initiative contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029 for Iraq by promoting inclusive governance, social cohesion, and meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding and development processes. 

The initiative is also aligned with UNFPA Fourth Iraq’s Country Programme (2025–2029), particularly its commitment to empowering adolescents and youth, strengthening national capacities, and promoting meaningful youth engagement in policy development and decision-making processes.

About UNFPA:
UNFPA is the United Nations Reproductive Health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Iraq, UNFPA works with government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to improve reproductive health services, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, empower young people, and strengthen the use of population data for sustainable development and evidence-based policymaking.