Mosul city inaugurates the Japan Village, a Model of Public-Private Partnership for Durable Housing Solutions in Iraq

Today, UN-Habitat Iraq, in collaboration with the Ninewa governorate and the Government of Japan, inaugurated the Japan Village social housing complex in Mosul. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Iraqi ministers, the Governor of Ninawa, Japanese private entities and NGO, the United Nations in Iraq, and representatives of the Mosul city.

The Japan Village project has delivered 48 housing units, providing housing solutions for approximately 350 returnees and will benefit approximately 10,000 individuals through improved access to basic urban infrastructure and services. Designed with sustainability and climate resilience in mind, key features include solar-reflective coating technology (Miracool paint) for water tanks, solar energy systems powering public lighting and facilities, and climate-adaptive infrastructure to mitigate heat stress and environmental risks. The initiative represents a significant step in the development of the Rajm Hadeed neighbourhood, as outlined in Mosul’s City Master Plan.

“The Japan Village project served as a catalyst for the transformation of Rajm Hadeed into a residential area for returnees,” said Abdul Qadir Al-Dakhil, Governor of Ninewa. “This marks the beginning of a broader urban integration process, which—thanks to the agglutinating role played by UN-Habitat—will continue with the full commitment of the Ninewa Governorate.”

The initial agreement between UN-Habitat and the Government of Japan to construct the housing complex was instrumental in mobilizing local authorities. The Government of Ninewa and the Municipality of Mosul played a critical role in integrating the neighbourhood into the city’s urban fabric. They are responsible for essential public infrastructure, including electricity and water.

Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai said: “Today’s inauguration of the Japan Village Project is not only about providing new homes, but about advancing durable solutions for families who have long awaited the chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. It marks a concrete step toward restoring hope and creating opportunities for internally displaced persons and returnees, giving them the stability they need to rebuild, recover, and plan for a better future.”

“I sincerely hope that the Japan Village Project, with continued collaboration with Ninewa Governorate and Mosul Municipality, will stand as a lasting symbol of the strong partnership, not just between Japan and Iraq, but also between the peoples of Japan and Mosul, which is expected to be carried forward by our future generations,” said His Excellency Mr. Akira Endo, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq. “The Government and people of Japan remain committed to sharing our experiences and standing side by side with the people of Iraq in rebuilding peaceful lives and a sustainable future.”

The project stands as a successful example of a Public-Private Partnership, demonstrating how coordinated efforts between governments, the private sector, and development actors can deliver tangible results for communities in need.

“Japan Village embodies UN-Habitat’s vision of placing adequate housing at the core of urban and human development,” said Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq. “This initiative demonstrates how inclusive partnerships can lead to sustainable and scalable solutions for urban recovery.”

The compound will now be managed by the Municipality of Mosul. The selected families to occupy the housing units is ongoing, based on vulnerability criteria and other considerations to ensure equitable access.