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

The agreement comes ahead of the closure of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which has been helping the government with key policy issues for more than two decades.

“Signing the Framework is a natural and honourable transition of the relationship between the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq,” said UNAMI chief Mohamed Al Hassan. “It reflects an orderly and responsible departure from support to political stability to the stage of consolidating sustainable development partnership between Iraq and the organization.”

Listen to our interview with Mr. Al Hassan on UNAMI’s closure.

About the framework

In order to achieve the 2030 Agenda, which also includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), countries need not only to work collectively, but to also do their part on a national level.

Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks are agreements between the UN and individual governments which give countries the tools to achieve these goals, from planning to implementation and monitoring.

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

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

How will it be achieved?

The implementation, monitoring and reporting of the UN-Iraq development framework will be guided by a steering committee co-chaired by Iraq’s Ministry of Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator who leads the country team.

Government institutions and UN agencies will come together to review progress annually and ensure the framework remains on track.

Implementation will be supported by a dedicated fund, alongside a strategy to mobilise resources for necessary funding.

UN Mission closes

UNAMI was created 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 31 December.

With the country now significantly more stable than it was some 20 years ago, Iraq is working towards greater self-reliance.

“Iraq believes it is ready to move to another phase, solidifying its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mr. Al Hassan previously toldUN News. “I wholeheartedly believe that Iraq is ready for that.”