The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iraq Office have renewed their longstanding partnership, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Iraq's socio-economic development.

Backed by funding from the Government of Japan (GoJ) and JICA, this partnership builds on over 15 years of cooperation with the Government of Iraq.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Extensive Development Assistance: Iraq has received 36 Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans from the GoJ and JICA, amounting to nearly USD 11 billion. This includes 34 project-specific loans and two development policy loans aimed at fostering inclusive growth and achieving sustainable development goals.
• Comprehensive Support: JICA combines development financing, technical expertise, and capacity building to help Iraqi officials meet international standards in project management.
• Focus Areas: The partnership emphasizes improving living conditions, restoring critical infrastructure, and driving sustainable socio-economic development across Iraq.

Full statement from UNDP:

JICA and UNDP Renew Partnership to Support Iraq's Sustainable Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iraq Office have renewed their longstanding partnership to advance Iraq's socio-economic development through financing from the Government of Japan (GoJ) and JICA.

This partnership, which has spanned over fifteen years of cooperation with the Government of Iraq (GoI), reflects the strong commitment of UNDP and the GoJ/JICA to addressing Iraq's need for efficient, stable, and reliable basic services and economic infrastructure. Together, they have significantly contributed to Iraq's human and economic growth, aligning with Iraq's national development plans and programmes focusing oneconomic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and improved social services.

In support of its reconstruction and development, Iraq has received 36 Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans from the GoJ and JICA, totaling nearly USD 11 billion. These include 34 vital sectors project loans and 2 development policy loans. This development assistance is designed to support Iraq in achieving its sustainable development goals, with a focus on improving living conditions nationwide and restoring infrastructure to foster inclusive growth.

"JICA remains committed to addressing the development challenges with the Government of Iraq through this impactful partnership with UNDP. This partnership provides comprehensive support for Iraqi officials to achieve international standards in project management, combining technical expertise, capacity development, and development financing. All of this is aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development in the country," said Hiroshi Suzuki [pictured], JICA Iraq Chief Representative.

With this renewed Partnership Agreement, and in alignment with Iraq's National Development Plan (NDP) 2024-2028, UNDP continues to provide critical support to the GoI to facilitate the smooth implementation of essential socio-economic projects financed by JICA's ODA loans. This support includes senior-level coordination, fiduciary oversight, progress monitoring, technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, and capacity development. Moreover, by fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards, the partnership ensures the successful delivery of these vital projects.

"This renewed partnership between UNDP and JICA highlights our shared commitment to supporting Iraq's development goals, focusing on infrastructure development, and sustainable economic and human capital growth. Together, we aim to facilitate the successful implementation of critical projects that will not only rebuild Iraq's infrastructure but also promote long-term social and economic resilience, improving the lives of Iraqis across the country," said UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Auke Lootsma.

This unique and renewed partnership underscores the advantages of effective triangular cooperation in promoting prosperity, driving sustainable growth, and improving service delivery and infrastructure for a stable and thriving Iraq. It highlights the strong ownership by the Government of Iraq and serves as a model for impactful and sustainable partnerships that can contribute to Iraq's long-term development.