Baghdad, Amman, 19 November 2009 - The United Nations and Iraq have agreed on an initial framework for a major new development partnership to strengthen Iraqi governance, social services and economic growth over the next five years.
An action plan for Iraq's first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2011-2014 was discussed at a meeting involving more than 120 representatives from the Government of Iraq, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, academia, international donors and UN agencies.
"The UNDAF is the UN's most comprehensive tool to help countries meet their international development commitments – primarily the Millennium Development Goals" said Christine McNab, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq. "This first ever UNDAF for Iraq represents our commitment to improve life for millions of Iraqis, by uniting the UN system in support of Iraq's own priorities for reform, modernization and socio-economic revival" she added.
The UNDAF Strategic Planning Conference explored Iraq's major development needs after three decades of conflict and deprivation. It outlined major areas of UN support to the country during the next government phase, covering peace consolidation and human rights, good governance, economic growth, women and children's rights and action to protect Iraq's environment.
These themes were selected to support Iraq's five year National Development Plan, which projects more than $200 billion in capital investment in services, economic stimulation and environmental protection from 2010-2014. Funding for UN operations will be provided by UN agencies and international donors, with cofinancing by the Government of Iraq in line with commitments under the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
"Much work remained to be done after this initial, positive step to finalize specific areas of UN-Iraq cooperation. The completed UNDAF will be co-signed by the UN and Government of Iraq in 2010" concluded Ms. McNab.
For more information: Juliette Touma, Office of the DSRSG/ RC/HC, toumaj@un.org, +962-77-67-29-707
