Iraq

Iraq’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR), submitted in 2025, presents a comprehensive assessment of the country’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid years of crisis. Following the war against terrorist groups, political instability, and the triple shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price collapse, Iraq faced major setbacks in poverty reduction, education, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, the report conveys a narrative of resilience, centred on “Responsible Investment, Reconstruction and Justice.” It highlights renewed optimism and Iraq’s commitment to aligning national recovery with global sustainability frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and regional reconstruction partnerships.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen Economic Diversification and Private Sector Development: Reducing dependence on oil is crucial for sustainable growth. By expanding sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy, and supporting SMEs and youth-led enterprises with regulatory reforms and improved access to finance, the economy can become more resilient. Vocational and technical training aligned with market needs will further enhance workforce employability, while public–private partnerships can drive strategic infrastructure and industrial development.
2. Address Regional and Rural Inequalities: Targeted strategies are needed to reduce poverty and regional disparities. By focusing on underdeveloped southern and rural governorates, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening social protection systems, vulnerable populations including women, children, displaced persons, and people with disabilities can access improved opportunities. Localised development planning ensures that interventions are tailored to the unique needs of each region.
3. Advance Human Development through Health, Education, and Gender Equality: Investing in health and education is essential for inclusive development. Modernising curricula, expanding digital learning, and promoting equitable distribution of services reduce dropout rates and improve quality. Women’s economic empowerment can be strengthened through inclusive employment policies and entrepreneurship support, while domestic healthcare production and supply chain resilience enhance access to essential medicines.
4. Enhance Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Sustainable growth requires strong environmental stewardship. Implementing the National Environmental Protection Strategy, integrating renewable energy, and developing climate adaptation plans address challenges such as droughts, desertification, and water scarcity. Strengthened water management and waste control systems promote sustainable consumption and resource preservation.
5. Strengthen Governance, Institutional Reform, and Anti-Corruption Measures: Effective governance is central to long-term stability. Deepening judicial and administrative reforms, expanding e-governance, and empowering local governments improve accountability and service delivery. Participatory decision-making ensures inclusive policy planning and strengthens citizen trust.
6. Build Robust Data and Monitoring Systems: Reliable data underpins informed policymaking. Enhancing national statistical capacity, investing in digital infrastructure, and collaborating with international partners improves data quality and analytical capacity. Regular SDG progress reporting ensures transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
7. Mobilise Sustainable Financing and Partnerships: Sustainable financing is key to achieving development goals. Diversifying funding sources, promoting responsible investment, and leveraging strategic partnerships support innovation, capacity-building, and job creation. A national SDG financing framework ensures coordinated spending and effective resource allocation.
8. Strengthen national statistical systems to systematically measure, monitor, and report progress across all 17 SDGs and 234 performance indicators. Iraq should provide transparent evidence detailing which of the indicators have been achieved, alongside data-supported analyses of those still in progress. This will ensure greater accountability, facilitate peer learning, and guide policy adjustments towards the 2030 Agenda.

Conclusion

Iraq’s 2025 VNR reaffirms the nation’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda, demonstrating resilience amid post-conflict recovery and economic shocks. Grounded in “Responsible Investment” and a focus on reconstruction and justice, Iraq has achieved notable progress, including reducing poverty from 20.05% in 2018 to 17.5% in 2023 and increasing life expectancy from 58 years in 2010 to 74.9 years in 2024. Yet, the report candidly recognises major challenges persistent regional inequalities, limited economic diversification, rapid population growth, and severe environmental pressures. Looking ahead, Iraq aims to strengthen data systems, governance, and institutional capacity while enhancing partnerships and financing. With continued reform and inclusive participation, Iraq can consolidate its progress, but without urgent action on diversification, governance, and climate adaptation, falling short of its 2030 goals.