9 September 2021; Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - UNFPA and the Ministry of Planning concluded today a two-day workshop focused on national priorities for population development.

The National Committee on Population and Development members discussed the current population trends and interventions undertaken by the Ministry of Planning and line ministries to strengthen human capital development in Iraq. They also went over the existing gaps in the national population policy.

Presentations highlighted the thematic areas of the 2014 National Population Policy, progress with its implementation and challenges. The Committee also highlighted key changes that should take place during the revision of the Policy. Discussions also tackled the demographic dividend and the indicators that will help achieve sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Planning, Dr Khalid Battal Al-Najim, spoke about the importance of evidence-based policies and reaffirmed the commitment of the Iraqi Government to holding the National Housing & Population Census. 

Dr Rita Columbia, UNFPA Representative to Iraq, emphasised the need for the revised population policy to increase investments in human capital, focusing on young people and women, facilitate youth and women’s access to financial resources and jobs, and improve conditions for women to be able to work and take care of their families. 

The workshop was concluded successfully by adopting a plan of action for revising and updating the national population policy 2014. 

Participating at the workshop were director generals from and representatives from the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Women Empowerment Department of Council of Ministers, Ministry of Health & Environment, Ministry of Labor & Social Affairs, Ministry of Displacement & Migration, Ministry of Education, Awkaf representatives, governmental partners and civil society representatives.

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UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Salwa Moussa, Communications Specialist, smoussa@unfpa.org.