The Iraqi government and the United Nations officially launched the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq 2025–2029 during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Planning in Baghdad.
The event was organized by the ministry’s International Cooperation Department and attended by representatives from government institutions, UN agencies, and regional and international organizations.
Dr. Maher Hammad Juhan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for Technical Affairs, said the framework was developed through cooperation between Iraqi institutions, UN agencies, and international partners. He explained that its objectives are closely aligned with Iraq Vision 2030, the government’s program, and the National Development Plan 2024–2028.
UN Resident Coordinator for Iraq Peter Hawkins noted that the framework was officially signed on December 25, 2025. He said it is designed to support Iraq’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and Iraqi institutions.
Hawkins added that the launch provides an opportunity to review ongoing UN-supported programs, ensure they remain aligned with national priorities, and enhance the participation of Iraqi institutions in monitoring and evaluating development projects.
The event also featured a series of working-group discussions focused on key development areas, including inclusive social development, sustainable economic growth and employment, environmental protection and climate resilience, governance and the rule of law, as well as data collection, monitoring, and evaluation.
The new framework is expected to guide cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations over the next five years, supporting long-term development goals and strengthening efforts to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes across the country.
