BAGHDAD: The Ministry of Planning in Iraq convened a consultative session to discuss the preparation of the nation’s third voluntary report on sustainable development. This effort, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), emphasizes a participatory approach and national consultations to monitor advancements toward sustainable development goals.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Maher Hammad Johan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Technical Affairs, highlighted that this meeting marks the beginning stages of preparing the report, which Iraq plans to present at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York next September. Johan underscored the significance of voluntary reports, particularly the upcoming third report, in showcasing vital steps taken by Iraq toward sustainable development, investment in reconstruction, and promoting justice across the nation.
Johan further noted Iraq’s progress in achieving three essential development goals: the launch of the five-year national development plan for 2024-2028 with strategic goals rooted in innovative solutions, the establishment of the permanent council for sector development, and the successful completion of a general population census. The census results are expected to play a crucial role in redefining Iraq’s demographic landscape and redirecting development strategies to meet sustainable goals.
Sundus Abbas, Director of the Iraq Support Program for Sustainable Development at UNDP, remarked on the consultative session’s importance in preparing the voluntary national report for 2025. She stated this report transcends being a mere document for international presentation, reflecting collective efforts toward sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda. Abbas acknowledged Iraq’s tangible progress in infrastructure, basic services, women’s and youth empowerment, and private sector support, along with efforts in providing current and classified data this year.
The session featured presentations by Wafaa Jaafar Al-Mahdawi on the significance and dimensions of voluntary reports and by Hassan Latif and Adnan Yassin on the roadmap for completing the third voluntary report, which outlined areas, timeframes, partner roles, and coordination mechanisms. The meeting was attended by several undersecretaries, general managers, and representatives from relevant ministries and entities.