Iraq is making remarkable strides in its development, emerging from decades of turmoil and conflict.
Recently, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq concluded its 22-year mandate, and the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for the nation shared exciting insights about the transformation taking place. Ghulam Isaczai expressed that for those who experienced the challenging early years of transition, “today Iraq is unrecognizable and remarkable.”
The journey has not been easy. Prior to the American invasion and the ensuing chaos from insurgency and ISIS, the Iraqi people endured a decade of stringent sanctions. The situation was compounded by Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, which reintroduced wartime conditions following the exhausting 8-year Iran-Iraq War that had only recently concluded.
It is safe to say that few individuals alive today can recall a time when Iraq thrived in peace and prosperity.
In encouraging news, the poverty rate in Iraq has decreased by approximately 3% over the last seven years. Additionally, over 5 million internally displaced individuals have been able to return to their homes as security continues to stabilize across much of the country.
Iraq’s upward trajectory is also reflected in its score on the UN’s Human Development Index, which reached 6.95 out of 10 in 2023. The nation boasts a life expectancy of 72 years at birth and an average of 12 years of schooling per child.
Recent elections have shown promising democratic engagement, with a voter turnout of 56% and one-third of parliamentary candidates being women.
A particularly poignant symbol of progress is the evolution of the UN Assistance Mission into a 5-year UN Development Project partnership, where Iraq will assume the role of a donor rather than a recipient of aid. Mr. Isaczai highlighted this shift, noting, “That shows increasing partnership and ownership by the Government of Iraq to become a donor after being a recipient for many years of humanitarian and development aid.”
Let’s celebrate and share Iraq’s inspiring journey from adversity to hope on social media!
