Remarks by DSRSG/RC for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai, at the launch of the Iraq National Housing Policy

Your Excellency, Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities, Mr. Bangeen Rekani

Chargé d'affaires of the European Union Mission in Iraq, Mr. Adam Janssen

Regional Director for Arab States of UN-Habitat, Ms. Rania Hedeya,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to join you today for the launch of Iraq’s National Housing Policy 2025–2030.

This event marks a defining milestone in Iraq’s national development journey, as envisioned in Iraq’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan. It also reaffirms Iraq’s strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 — building sustainable cities and communities.

This policy is not merely about constructing houses; it is about ensuring that every Iraqi family — whether living in cities, rural areas, or communities recovering from conflict — has access to safe, affordable, and resilient housing.

According to UN-Habitat, Iraq currently faces a housing deficit of 2.5 to 3.5 million units — a gap that must be bridged over the medium term to keep pace with population growth and rapid urbanization. The implementation of this policy represents a crucial step toward closing that gap and addressing the needs of Iraq’s growing population, which continues to increase at around 2.5 percent annually.

In recent years, Iraq has faced growing challenges stemming from fire incidents, structural vulnerabilities, and the increasing impacts of extreme heat. This policy provides a comprehensive response — introducing national building codes and standards that enhance fire safety, structural integrity, and climate resilience across the housing sector.

I would like to particularly underscore the inclusive character of this policy. It seeks to address the needs of women, youth, displaced persons, and marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. It acknowledges that the housing challenge is not merely about numbers — it is about equity, access, and social justice.

This policy is also firmly anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), recognizing housing as a cross-cutting enabler of poverty reduction, resilience-building, and sustainable economic growth.

Here, I wish to commend UN-Habitat for its technical leadership in the development of this policy, in close partnership with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Public Municipalities. Given the policy’s cross-sectoral relevance — spanning public health, education, employment, displacement, and climate change — its effective implementation will require the engagement of the entire UN systemalongside national counterparts.

Successful implementation will also depend on strong political will, adequate financing, and close inter-ministerial coordination.

In closing, I wish to once again congratulate the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Public Municipalities on the development of this timely and forward-looking policy. 

 

The United Nations stands ready to support Iraq as it translates this vision into tangible progress — ensuring that every Iraqi has access to a safe, resilient, and dignified home.

Thank you.