Chargé d’Affaires of Iraq’s Permanent Mission to UN Meets Under-Secretary-General of United Nations

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, met with Ms. Natalia Kanem United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA. The two sides reviewed Iraq’s relations with UNFPA, through programs and partnerships in implementing national plans and programs, the Chargé d’Affaires expressed the Iraqi government’s gratitude for the close cooperation and technical partnerships between Iraqi national institutions and the program, praising the joint efforts made by the program with the relevant ministries and government institutions, and providing comprehensive support for the 2024 population census.

The Chargé d’Affaires explained that the population census represents a milestone in Iraq’s history in the field of collecting population data, which contributes to implementing the Iraqi government’s commitments within the government program and achieving the sustainable development goals. He also pointed out the completion of preparations and requirements and achieving advanced rates to complete the census on time, underlining the national measures and plans related to reproductive health programs, and following the approved international standards.

On her part, the Executive Director commended the constructive and joint cooperativeness between the Iraqi government and the United Nations Population Fund, expressing her gratitude for the facilities provided and the national strategies followed in Iraq with regard to human development and reproductive health, affirming UNFPA continued support for the Iraqi government in its development, social and health programs, and in the success of the upcoming population census process.