Understanding People, Building Futures: Iraq Advances Data-Driven Development

The Ministry of Planning and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reaffirmed the importance of utilizing the results of Iraq’s 2024 Population and Housing Census to support strategic planning and evidence-based policymaking during a specialized workshop on predictive and foresight-driven population studies, held in Baghdad from 27–28 April 2026. 
The two-day workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Planning, focused on enhancing national capacities in statistical analysis, population projections, and scenario-building to better respond to Iraq’s evolving demographic trends . 
In her opening remarks, Dr. Maha Abdul Karim Al-Rawi, Director General of the Human Development Department at the Ministry of Planning, stated: 
“The demographic window represents a unique opportunity that must be seized through evidence-based planning and investment in youth.” 
She highlighted that the demographic shifts revealed by the census require stronger national capacities in analysis and forecasting to ensure more responsive and effective development policies. 
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Dr. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, emphasized: 
“Population data is no longer just numbers, it is a powerful tool for decision-making and building a more sustainable future.” 
She stressed the importance of moving beyond data collection toward its practical application in policy design, ensuring that investments in data translate into investments in people. 
The workshop covered key themes including statistical analysis of demographic trends, global and regional population dynamics, foresight methodologies, population projections, and the use of data models in future scenario planning . 
Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening national data systems, including Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), to ensure the availability of accurate and reliable data for long-term planning. 
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support the Government of Iraq in leveraging census data to guide investments, improve service delivery, and promote inclusive and sustainable development. 
The workshop contributes to the United Nations’ support to Iraq’s development under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025–2029 by strengthening national capacities in population analysis, forecasting, and evidence-based planning. As Iraq undergoes significant demographic transformations, the ability to generate and utilize high-quality population data and forward-looking scenarios is essential for designing responsive and sustainable development policies. By equipping government institutions with the tools to analyze demographic trends and translate them into actionable insights, the initiative supports more effective planning, better allocation of resources, and inclusive development outcomes that respond to the evolving needs of all populations in Iraq.