Baghdad, Iraq – February 18, 2025, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Hind Jalal as the new Country Representative for Iraq. Ms. Jalal officially presented her credentials to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the commencement of her leadership in advancing UNFPA's mission within the country.

Ms. Jalal brings extensive experience in technical and managerial positions in North, West and Central Africa together at the UN System and at the Government.

Prior to this appointment, she served as UNFPA Representative in Equatorial Guinea and UN Women Representative ai for Cameroon. She previously worked for UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office in Dakar and for UNFPA Morocco CO where she implemented impactful interventions, driving progress in youth and women empowerment and strengthening data systems for population and development.

Prior to UNFPA, Ms. Jalal held several leadership positions within the Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance, where she worked in Economic, Sector, Trade and Social Policy formulation and analysis. 

In her new role, Ms. Jalal will focus on advancing Population and Development key issues aligned with the priorities of the Iraqi Government 2024-2028 National Development Plan objectives, including Enhancing Reproductive Health Services, Combating Violence Against Women and Girls, Empowering Youth, Strengthening the Data system and harnessing the 2024 Census results.

Ms. Jalal expressed her commitment to building upon the existing partnerships between UNFPA and the Government of Iraq, as well as with civil society organizations and other key Partners, to advance the health and rights of women and young people across the nation and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq.

“My priority is to build on the incredible work UNFPA has already done in Iraq and to further strengthen efforts to reduce maternal mortality, prevent violence against women and girls, empower young people and strengthen the data systems," said Ms. Jalal. "Together, we can make significant strides towards ensuring that every woman and young person can exercise their rights and access the services they need."

UNFPA Iraq remains dedicated to its mission of delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.