UN says Iraq transformed after decades of turmoil
Resident coordinator highlights security gains, falling poverty and development focus following end of UN political mission
NEW YORK (MNTV) — Iraq has undergone a dramatic transformation after years of conflict and instability and is now enjoying greater security and a renewed focus on development, a senior United Nations official said.
Briefing journalists at U.N. headquarters, U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai said the country, nearly two decades after a difficult political transition, is increasingly stable and determined to advance its development goals.
“For those who experienced the early years after 2003, today’s Iraq is strikingly different,” Isaczai said, describing the country as peaceful, more secure and increasingly confident in its institutions.
He noted that poverty levels have declined from about 20% in 2018 to roughly 17.5% in 2024–2025, while preliminary assessments indicate Iraq has improved its standing on the Human Development Index, which measures health, education and living standards.
Improved security conditions have also allowed around five million internally displaced Iraqis to return to their homes, Isaczai said. Those who remain in displacement camps are largely prevented from returning due to housing shortages or unresolved civil documentation issues.
The U.N. official highlighted last year’s parliamentary elections as a significant milestone, noting a voter turnout of 56%, up 12 percentage points from the previous election, with women accounting for roughly one-third of candidates.
Isaczai made his remarks as the United Nations marked the end of the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq, which concluded its mandate on December 31.
The mission had supported Iraq’s political transition for over two decades following Saddam Hussein’s fall and the defeat of ISIS in 2017.
Despite the mission’s closure, the U.N. will continue its engagement in Iraq under a new development-focused framework led by Isaczai.
A five-year cooperation agreement signed with the Iraqi government in late December outlines priorities including education, healthcare, economic growth, environmental protection and governance.
Isaczai said the new phase reflects a shift from crisis response to long-term development, building on progress achieved over the past two decades.
He also noted that Iraq is expected to contribute financially to implementing the new agreement, signaling a move toward greater national ownership and a transition from aid recipient to potential donor.
The U.N. Country Team in Iraq currently includes 26 U.N. agencies, funds and programs working with national authorities to support the country’s development agenda.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
