Ahead of the Second World Development Summit, Iraq And The UN Support Key Commitments To Enhance Social Protection – OANANews

Iraq’s National Consultation for the Second World Summit for Social Development: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Strategic Context

The Government of Iraq, in collaboration with the United Nations, has concluded a national consultation process aimed at formulating the country’s contribution to the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November 4-6, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. This initiative represents a significant step in aligning Iraq’s national policies with the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly focusing on social justice and inclusion.

Collaborative Framework and Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

The consultations were organized under a multi-stakeholder framework, demonstrating a strong commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Key participants included:

• Government of Iraq: Ministries of Planning, Labour and Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Education, Youth and Sports, and Environment.
• United Nations System: The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• International Partners: The European Union, a key supporter of Iraq’s social protection programs.

Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim stated that Iraq approaches the global summit with a unified national vision centered on social justice and expanding opportunities, particularly for youth and women, thereby strengthening state institutions in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Advancing Social Protection as a Cornerstone for SDG Achievement

Progress in Eradicating Poverty and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 1 & SDG 10)

The consultations highlighted Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its social protection system as a primary tool for eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and fostering social inclusion (SDG 10). This national effort builds upon the principles established at the 1995 Copenhagen Summit and renews Iraq’s dedication to comprehensive social development. Key reforms and achievements presented include:

1. Expansion of social safety nets to cover more than 7.6 million beneficiaries, directly contributing to SDG 1 (No Poverty).
2. Ratification of ILO Convention No. 102, reinforcing commitments to international social security standards.
3. Adoption of a new pension and social security law that aligns with international best practices, promoting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
4. A doubling of social security coverage within four years, marking a significant advancement toward SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Ensuring Food Security and Supporting Vulnerable Populations (SDG 2 & SDG 5)

Leveraging its extensive experience in managing large-scale food distribution systems, Iraq’s renewed vision for social protection places a strategic focus on achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The framework is designed to specifically support the most vulnerable segments of the population, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, which directly supports the goals of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the overarching principle of “leaving no one behind.”

Future Outlook and International Engagement

High-Level Participation and Global Leadership

The United Nations and its partners will continue to provide technical support to Iraq during the preparatory phase for the summit. Iraq is set to co-lead a high-level event on November 4, 2025, titled “From Reform to Impact: Governments Paving the Way for a New Era of Universal Social Protection for Food Security and Nutrition.” This event, co-led with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, will showcase Iraq’s pioneering experience in social protection reform and its efforts to strengthen food security and nutrition as fundamental pillars for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 1: No Poverty

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
  
  Explanation: The article extensively discusses Iraq’s efforts to strengthen its “social protection system” and “expand social safety nets.” This directly aligns with the goal of implementing and expanding social protection for the vulnerable.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
  
  Explanation: The article highlights Iraq’s “long-standing experience managing one of the world’s largest food distribution systems” and its focus on “universal social protection for food security and nutrition.” This shows a clear commitment to ensuring food access for its population.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
  
  Explanation: The article explicitly mentions the “ratification of ILO Convention No. 102” and the “adoption of a new pension and social security law aligned with international standards,” which are direct measures to protect labor rights and provide social security for workers.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
  
  Explanation: The article states that Iraq’s vision is rooted in “social justice” and “fostering social inclusion.” It specifically mentions that the new vision focuses on “supporting children, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” which is the core of this target.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
  
  Explanation: The entire initiative described in the article is a partnership. It mentions the “Iraqi government, in cooperation with the United Nations,” with “technical support from the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),” and the inclusion of the “European Union, one of Iraq’s key international partners.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator for Target 1.3

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems.
  
  Explanation: The article provides a specific metric for this indicator, stating that Iraq’s efforts include the expansion of “social safety nets to cover more than 7.6 million beneficiaries” and the “doubling of social security coverage within four years.”

Indicator for Target 8.8

• Indicator 8.8.2: Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom of association and collective bargaining) based on International Labour Organization (ILO) textual sources and national legislation.
  
  Explanation: The article explicitly mentions two key actions that serve as indicators of compliance: the “ratification of ILO Convention No. 102” and the “adoption of a new pension and social security law aligned with international standards.”

Indicator for Target 17.16

• Implied Indicator: The existence and functioning of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
  
  Explanation: The article itself serves as evidence of this partnership, detailing the collaboration between the Iraqi government (Ministries of Planning, Labor, Foreign Affairs, etc.) and international bodies like the UN, WFP, ILO, UNICEF, and the European Union to prepare for the World Summit for Social Development.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: oananews.org