The development cooperation agreement marks a new phase in the partnership between the UN and Iraq

The UN and Iraq on Thursday signed a new agreement, the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2025 to 2029, to help the country make progress on its national goals, which are also reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by Member States in 2015.

The agreement anticipates the conclusion of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (WITH ME), which has been helping the government with important policy issues for more than twenty years.

“The signing of the Framework is a natural and honorable transition of the relationship between the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq,” he said WITH ME chef Mohamed Al Hassan. “It reflects an orderly and responsible move from support for political stability to the stage of consolidation of a sustainable development partnership between Iraq and the Organization.”

Listen to our interview with Mr Al Hassan on the closure of UNAMI.

About the framework

To make it happen Agenda 2030which also includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), countries must not only work together collectively, but also do their part at the national level.

Frameworks for cooperation in sustainable development are agreements between the UN and individual governments that give countries the tools to achieve these goals, from planning to implementation and monitoring.

The plan for Iraq focuses on four key strategic priorities that align with the country’s national development plan:

1. Improved access to education, healthcare and social services.
2. Creating opportunities for employment and economic growth.
3. Protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
4. Strengthening the rule of law and good governance.

How will this be achieved?

The implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UN-Iraq Development Framework will be led by a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator leading the country team.

Government agencies and UN agencies will meet to annually assess progress and ensure the framework remains on track.

Implementation will be supported by a dedicated fund, in addition to a strategy to mobilize resources for the necessary financing.

UN mission closed

WITH ME has been made in 2003 after the fall of Saddam Hussein and has supported Iraq through political transition, post-conflict recovery and the fight against ISIL, also known as Da’esh. The special political mission ends its mandate on December 31.

Now that the country is considerably more stable than it was about twenty years ago, Iraq is working towards greater self-reliance.

“Iraq believes it is ready to move to a new phase, strengthening its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Mr Al Hassan. told earlierUN news. “I wholeheartedly believe that Iraq is ready for that.”