Baghdad: The Iraqi government, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the 2025 National Human Development Report today, Monday. The report was prepared in partnership with the Baghdad Public Policy Center.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Teton Mitra, stated that the report does not only address Iraq’s current situation but also explores future options to promote dignity, equity, and citizenship. Mitra emphasized that a new social contract based on accountability and equal opportunities can unlock Iraq’s potential.

The report, titled “Citizenship and the Making of a (New) Social Contract,” marks a significant shift in Iraq’s development, moving from years of crises to sustainable progress. For the first time, Iraq has surpassed the threshold of high human development, reaching a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.712 for 2024, exceeding the Arab average and showcasing the country’s resilience and recovery.

Based on extensive data, analyses, and surveys conducted across all governorates, the report reflects Iraqis’ aspirations for justice and equality. Key findings include an increase in life expectancy to 74 years, a reduction in mud-brick schools to 119 in 2024, and a decline in the poverty rate from 20.5% in 2018 to 17.5% in 2024. Household spending on food is projected to decrease to 31.7%, indicating improved living standards.

The report, prepared with technical support from UNDP, highlights that progress remains uneven across governorates and between genders. The women’s development index is 0.882 compared to men’s, and the inequality index is 0.409, underscoring the need to prioritize women’s empowerment.

Additionally, the report reveals that nearly two-thirds of Iraqis support a new social contract that balances rights and responsibilities, fostering trust between citizens and the state. It calls for investment in education, youth and women’s empowerment, and expanded civic participation.

With continued reforms and investment in human capital, Iraq has the potential to join the ranks of countries with very high human development by 2035. This report, developed under the Ministry of Planning’s leadership with UNDP support and implemented by the Baghdad Center for Human Development, serves as a testament to progress and a roadmap for Iraq’s future.