The Government of Iraq, in collaboration with the United Nations, concluded a two-day national consultation on 20–21 October 2025 to shape its contribution to the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) scheduled for 4–6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. Led by Iraq’s Ministry of Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, with technical support from WFP, ILO, and UNICEF, the consultations brought together representatives from key international partners, including the European Union, as well as officials from multiple Iraqi ministries, to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s social protection system.
The consultations concluded with a set of commitments designed to guide Iraq’s delegation at WSSD2. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning H.E. Dr. Mohammed Ali Tamim emphasized that Iraq is entering the summit with a unified national vision focused on social justice, expanded opportunities for youth and women, and strengthened institutions working in close cooperation with the UN and international partners. UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai highlighted that the consultations were essential in building a shared national voice, reflecting both Iraq’s achievements and ambitions for inclusive social development.
Iraq’s participation in WSSD2 comes three decades after the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, at a pivotal moment as global commitments to inclusive social development are renewed. The country plans to showcase major reforms, including efforts to reduce poverty, expand social safety nets to over 7.6 million people, and ratify ILO Convention No. 102. Recent milestones include the introduction of a new Pensions and Social Security Law aligned with international standards and the doubling of social security coverage within four years, reflecting Iraq’s leadership in rights-based social protection reforms.
Iraq’s renewed vision emphasizes support for vulnerable populations, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, building on decades of experience managing one of the world’s largest food distribution systems. In support of these initiatives, the UN and its partners will continue providing technical assistance before and during WSSD2. A high-level side event, “From Reform to Impact: Governments Paving a New Era of Universal Social Protection for Food Security and Nutrition,” led by Iraq and in partnership with Timor-Leste, will highlight Iraq’s leadership in advancing social protection reforms and promoting food security and nutrition as pillars of sustainable, inclusive development.
