FOREWORD
BY THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOROn behalf of the United Nations Country Team in Iraq, I am delighted to present our Annual Results Report for 2024. This report reflects the collective achievements of 23 UN entities in Iraq that are signatories to the United Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020–2024, in partnership with the Government of Iraq. In the final year of the framework’s implementation, the UN worked closely with the Government and other partners to advance Iraq’s journey towards peace, development and prosperity.
Our shared commitment is underpinned by a unified approach to sustainable development, humanitarian and peacebuilding activities. This approach guided UN efforts across the five strategic priorities of our Cooperation Framework, aligned with Iraq’s national development objectives.
In 2024, we achieved tangible progress on social cohesion. Collaborative efforts fostered community-led peacebuilding, empowered women and youth as peacebuilders, and aided the safe return and dignified reintegration of displaced families. UN initiatives contributed to the protection of minority rights, including the land rights of the Yazidi community, financial assistance for people in vulnerable situations, and assessed displaced persons’ eligibility for social security. The UN has also supported the Government of Iraq to conduct the 2024 Iraqi Census – the first national population and household census in over three decades.
Assisting policy development, strengthening the TVET sector, and promoting entrepreneurship and job creation fostered a more resilient, inclusive economy. The UN supported national policies on employment, MSMEs and green businesses, helped set up a job-matching platform, and facilitated access to finance and business development services – especially for women and people in vulnerable situations – creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment for all.
Support for more responsive public services included assistance for legislative reforms, strengthen institutional capacities, and digital governance strategies. The digitalization of the Water Safety Plan was a major achievement, as was the “Back-to-Learning” campaign with the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office, which helped reintegrate out-of-school children in education. By facilitating customs automation through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), UN support helped boost trade in Iraq – benefitting businesses, the Government and people nationwide.
UN support also contributed to strengthening environmental management and climate resilience in Iraq. Key achievements included the development of a National Environmental Strategy and the adoption of biodiversity goals. These efforts, among others, were showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
This global platform was an opportunity for Iraq to significantly contribute to global climate discussions and advance its national priorities on building climate resilience. Supported by the UN through capacity strengthening and logistical support, Iraq highlighted its efforts towards a green transformation, while young Iraqi delegates served as the voice of the country’s future at the global forum. They brought forward innovative ideas and practical solutions to the global climate dialogue, reflecting the aspirations of Iraq’s youth.
Alongside these achievements, in 2024 the UN made significant strides in supporting durable solutions for displaced populations in Iraq and returnees from Syria. Key achievements included rehabilitating housing, facilitating returns and relocations, supporting access to documentation and legal assistance, and providing support for sustainable livelihoods. Collectively, these efforts with key partners – in the government, civil society, private sector, academia and the donor community – testify to the UN’s unwavering resolve to assist a more cohesive, just, inclusive and prosperous future for Iraq.
While the current UNSDCF cycle concludes, the UN’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s development journey remains unwavering. The UN will continue to work collaboratively with the Government of Iraq and other partners to address emerging challenges and leverage new opportunities.