New National Housing Policy to Bridge Iraq’s Housing Affordability Gap with Green and Sustainable Solutions

To drive this initiative forward, the Ministry of Construction and Housing, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, hosted a two-day workshop in Baghdad on 26–27 February 2025. The event brought together Iraqi national authorities and technical teams from key departments, including the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the Housing Directorate, the Urban Planning Directorate, and the Housing Training and Development Centre. Participants analysed past housing policies, identified existing gaps, and worked together to establish a comprehensive framework for the new National Housing Policy.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Iraq at the workshop, Dr. Lennart Deridder, Head of the Cooperation Section, was joined by Mr. Ali Al-Naseri, the Programme Manager overseeing the BEIT project, further reaffirming the EU’s commitment to working collaboratively with Iraq to bridge the housing affordability gap and develop sustainable urban solutions.

Iraq faces significant housing challenges driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, and rising land and construction costs. In response, the government is formulating a National Housing Policy that prioritizes green and sustainable solutions, ensuring all Iraqis have access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. This initiative not only addresses immediate housing needs but also contributes to the country’s broader goals of equitable growth, urban resilience, and sustainable development.

By aligning with international best practices while addressing Iraq’s unique housing context, the proposed policy framework represents a crucial step toward fostering inclusive and sustainable urban development.

The importance of the initiative was emphasised by Mr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation Section, Delegation of the European Union to Iraq, in his opening remarks: “Based on recent census data, almost 25% of Iraq’s population is between the ages of five and fourteen. This highlights the urgent need to address the existing housing shortage and accommodate the growing demand over the next decade. Every Iraqi family deserves to live in a safe and decent home with access to essential utilities such as electricity, water, and other basic services. Additionally, they should also have the opportunity to enjoy open spaces, breathe fresh air, and spend quality time outdoors in safe and well-planned environments. Today's National Housing Policy Workshop marks a pivotal step toward achieving this vision. Together, we will refine the policy framework, integrate green and sustainable practices, and work towards building a resilient, inclusive housing ecosystem. This, in turn, will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion in Iraq.”

Mr. Mohammed Haider Al-Sakiny, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Construction, Housing & Public Municipalities, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to the shared challenge of developing and implementing a comprehensive policy that effectively addresses Iraq’s current housing challenges : “It is necessary to prepare a new National Housing Policy that includes clear, executable and realistic steps, and which is derived from the reality of the current situation. Implementation must be both comprehensive and sustainable, and it is important to emphasise that achieving the aims of the new housing policy is a shared responsibility that falls on government, the private sector and society, to reach the desired goals. 

During the workshop, the Ministry of Planning, the BEIT project’s primary government counterpart, underlined the importance of integrating housing into national urban policies. “The Iraqi National Development Plan 2024–2028 sets a strategic roadmap for economic growth, infrastructure development, and housing reform. With a focus on investing in human capital, diversifying the economy, and modernizing urban planning, the plan addresses key challenges such as housing shortages, spatial development gaps, and service disparities. The new National Housing Policy will support sustainable housing solutions, helping the government improve living standards, reduce urban-rural inequalities, and drive national prosperity”, stated Dr. Mohammed Mohsen Al-Sayed, Director General of the Department of Regional and Local Development, Ministry of Planning. 

The new policy will prioritise the right to adequate housing while addressing the specific housing issues Iraq faces such as the need for improved land management and infrastructure policies, more affordable housing solutions, and enhanced building materials and technologies. Recognising Iraq’s growing climate challenges, the policy will also incorporate principles of green housing to support sustainable urban development.

Under the BEIT programme, UN-Habitat will continue to focus on supporting the Government of Iraq in addressing the country’s housing challenges by reviewing existing legislation, exploring new affordable housing finance models, providing capacity building and technical assistance, and building demonstration green social housing units in two pilot locations.   

UN-Habitat’s “Housing at the Centre” approach positions housing as a fundamental human right and an integral part of national and local urbanization strategies. These principles, which are also enshrined in Iraq’s constitution, will be reflected in the new National Housing Policy. “This joint effort aims to put housing at the centre of policy dialogue in Iraq highlighting its potential as a significant driver of socio-economic growth and job creation. Through the BEIT project, we are promoting the creation of decent jobs, building institutional capacity, strengthening housing sector value chains, and promoting green solutions to foster resilience and deliver sustainable housing solutions.” said Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq. Promoting access to adequate housing for all, along with essential urban services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, transportation, and economic opportunities, will contribute to more inclusive and sustainable urban growth.

The Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT), an European Union -funded initiative, is a joint effort by UN-Habitat, the International Labour Organization, and the International Trade Centre. The programme aims to drive economic growth by creating decent job opportunities through advancing Iraq's affordable and sustainable housing initiatives and strengthening the construction sector.

For additional information, please contact: 

Marcus Tudehope | UN-Habitat Iraq Project Manager 

email: marcus.tudehope@un.org

Ana Paes | UN-Habitat Iraq Communication Officer

email: ana.paes@un.org