UN praises Iraq's Census results, pledges five-year support to achieve SDGs
Shafaq News/ The United Nations hailed Iraq's newly released census results on Monday, describing them as "a cornerstone in achieving the government's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," while reaffirming its commitment to supporting Baghdad's developmental goals over the next five years.
"This data plays a crucial role in shaping general policies, prioritizing expenditures, and directing resources to the sectors most in need. Furthermore, they represent an essential tool for ensuring social justice in line with the national development priorities," said Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, the Deputy Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, during the Results Announcement National Conference.
Isaczai also considered the census results an essential tool for 'ensuring social justice in line with the national development priorities.'
Ishaq emphasized that the UN remains committed to assisting Iraq in achieving its development goals. "To this end, the United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, a five-year partnership between the UN and the Government of Iraq aimed at advancing this very objective."
He urged the Iraqi government to expedite the approval process to move forward in close partnership toward achieving shared objectives and making tangible progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about an effective partnership with the Iraqi government in implementing the Cooperation Framework and enhancing its leadership role by considering financial contributions to the Trust Fund, to be established to support the implementation of the Cooperation Framework.
Reaffirming the UN's role as a key partner in Iraq's journey toward a more prosperous and sustainable future, he assured that the UN stands fully prepared to provide all necessary expertise and knowledge across various fields, particularly in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Iraq's 2024 Census is more than numbers—it's key to inclusive and sustainable development!"The UN remains a steadfast partner in Iraq's journey towards a sustainable future." – @G_Isaczai, UN Resident Coordinator at the Census Results Conference.Read more:… pic.twitter.com/NFA5X4PkmD
— UNAMI (@UNIraq) February 24, 2025
Earlier on Monday, Iraq's Ministry of Planning unveiled the key findings of the national census, revealing that the country's population has reached 46.118 million. An increase from 45.407 million, the preliminary estimate announced in November.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iran-Israel strands citizens abroad: KRG addresses flight chaos
Shafaq News/ On Friday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) established an emergency joint committee to assist Kurdish citizens stranded abroad after Iraq closed its airspace, suspending all inbound and outbound flights. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Relations confirmed the committee, including representatives from both the Department and the Ministry of Interior, maintains contact with affected citizens and foreign authorities, emphasizing its focus on securing the safety of stranded individuals and facilitating their return. The sudden airspace closure has left many travelers stranded, especially in Istanbul, where numerous Kurdish passengers had been waiting to connect to flights bound for the Kurdistan Region. Additionally, Hajj pilgrims returning through Amman have faced disruptions caused by flight delays and cancellations. Earlier today, Karwan Stuni, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region's Hajj and Umrah Commission, confirmed that the return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia has been interrupted due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Speaking to Shafaq News, Stuni indicated that should the current conditions continue, authorities may resort to overland routes to bring pilgrims back to the Region.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq-Iran borders swamped as citizens flee escalating conflict
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iraqi border crossings with Iran experienced a sharp rise in returning citizens amid escalating security tensions and ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian cities and facilities since early morning. Eyewitnesses and travelers arriving from Iran reported heavy crowds at crossings, including Al-Munthiriya in Diyala Province and Bashmakh in al-Sulaymaniyah Province, where thousands streamed into Iraq. Most arrivals were students enrolled at Iranian universities, alongside patients and tourists. The overwhelming numbers caused long waits at the crossings, with many still awaiting permission to enter Iraqi territory. Among those returning, concerns grew that crossings could close or face new restrictions if hostilities intensify, leading to calls for Iraqi authorities to accelerate entry procedures. This surge followed unprecedented Israeli airstrikes targeting key sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which triggered a significant Iranian missile response on Tel Aviv.
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Security Council convenes as Iran-Israel conflict escalates
Shafaq News/ On Friday, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session at Iran's request, following Israeli airstrikes that struck multiple locations inside Iranian territory. Earlier today, Iran's state media reported that its permanent mission to the United Nations had submitted an urgent letter to the Council, calling for condemnation of the Israeli attacks and requesting an immediate session. The strikes began at dawn, as Israel launched what it described as Rising Lion Operation, targeting a series of military and nuclear facilities across Iran. Sites hit included Natanz, Fordow, Tehran, Hamedan, and East Azerbaijan province. Iranian media confirmed the deaths of several senior commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with nuclear scientists and civilians. The large-scale assault also triggered a wave of international reactions, ranging from strong condemnation to calls for restraint and the revival of diplomatic engagement. As regional tensions escalated, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Israel would face 'severe punishment' in response. Shortly afterward, Iran's official news agency confirmed the launch of Tehran's counterstrike, which has been designated The Severe Punishment. According to the IRGC, three waves of missiles—each comprising roughly 100 rockets—have so far been fired toward multiple Israeli military installations and airbases.
