Ghulam Isaczai, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, briefed journalists in New York on Iraq’s transition from the long-running UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to a partnership with national authorities focused on development. UNAMI, which was established in 2003 to support Iraq’s political transition after the fall of Saddam Hussein and the subsequent turmoil, officially ended its mandate on 31 December 2025. Mr. Isaczai described Iraq today as “unrecognisable and remarkable,” highlighting the country’s progress and increasing stability after years of conflict and upheaval.
Iraq has experienced measurable improvements in socio-economic conditions. Poverty has declined from 20 per cent in 2018 to 17.5 per cent in 2024-2025, and preliminary reports indicate the country now ranks highly on the Human Development Index, reflecting gains in life expectancy, education, and standard of living. An improved security situation has allowed five million internally displaced people to return home, with those remaining in camps mostly affected by housing or civil identification challenges. Iraq also achieved a significant milestone with parliamentary elections last year, seeing a 56 per cent voter turnout—a 12 per cent increase from the previous national vote—with about a third of the candidates being women.
The UN’s future engagement in Iraq will be guided by a five-year development agreement signed with the Government of Iraq on 25 December. This roadmap focuses on supporting national priorities including education, health, economic growth, environmental protection, and good governance. Mr. Isaczai emphasized that the UN aims not only to address Iraq’s socio-economic needs but also to reinforce the work accomplished over the past two decades.
A notable development in this new phase of cooperation is Iraq’s increasing role in financing the implementation of the agreement, signaling growing ownership and a shift from being primarily a recipient of humanitarian and development aid to taking on responsibilities as a donor. The UN Country Team in Iraq, comprising 26 UN agencies, funds, and programmes, will continue to support these national priorities while strengthening Iraq’s capacity for sustainable development.
