BAGHDAD, Iraq - Dr Oluremi Sogunro, UNFPA Representative to Iraq, met today with HE Nouri Sabah Al-Dulaimi, Minister of Planning, with whom he discussed the on-going preparations for the census 2020 and the technical support that UNFPA will provide in the process.

During the meeting, which was also attended by a UNFPA delegation and the head of the Central Statistics Office, the Minister confirmed the commitment of the Government of Iraq to conduct the census in 2020, following the approval of the establishment of High Commission on Census, yesterday. The UNFPA Representative reiterated UNFPA's readiness to provide the required support for the preparation and implementation of the census.

The Minister acknowledged the important contribution made by UNFPA during the humanitarian crisis, providing life-saving reproductive health and gender-based violence services. He also requested UNFPA's support in reviewing and updating Population Policy.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister offered his support to celebrate UNFPA’s 50th anniversary and ICPD’s 25th anniversary and confirmed Iraq’s participation in the Nairobi summit in November.

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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