LocationsIraq’s Human Development Crosses a New Threshold: Launch of the 2025 National Report Marks a Turning Point
December 8, 2025
Baghdad, 8 December 2025 – The Government of Iraq, represented by the Ministry of Planning, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today launched the National Human Development Report 2025, implemented in partnership with Rewaq Baghdad Center for Public Policy.
Titled “Citizenship and the New Social Contract”, the report marks a pivotal moment in Iraq’s development journey, a shift from years of crisis to a pathway of sustained progress. For the first time, Iraq’s Human Development Index has entered the “high human development” category, reaching 0.712 in 2024, surpassing the Arab-country average and reflecting the country’s resilience and recovery.
Drawing on extensive data and the results of nationwide public consultations, the report captures Iraqis’ aspirations for equity and opportunity. Behind the numbers lie stories of change: life expectancy has risen to 74 years, mud schools have fallen to 119, and poverty has dropped from 20.5% in 2018 to 17.5% in 2024. The share of household spending on food declined to 31.7%, showing families’ growing ability to invest in education and livelihoods.
“This report marks a turning point for Iraq. The data show our nation is moving forward, but also remind us of the work still ahead. Investing in people, in education, health, and livelihoods, is the foundation of our development vision. We remain committed to building a more equitable and inclusive Iraq, where every citizen can thrive,” said H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq.
Prepared with UNDP’s technical support, the report highlights that progress remains uneven across governorates and between men and women. The Women Development Index of 0.882 compared to men, and the inequality rate of 0.409, underscore the need to fully realize women’s potential as an economic and social imperative.
“Progress is real, but unfinished. This report is not just about where Iraq stands, but about the choices ahead. Human development is about dignity, inclusion, and citizenship. A new social contract, rooted in accountability and opportunity, as strongly recommended in the Report, can unlock Iraq’s full potential,” said Titon Mitra, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative.
Nearly two-thirds of Iraqis surveyed expressed support for a new social contract that balances rights and responsibilities, strengthens trust, and leaves no governorate behind. The report recommends targeted investments in education, youth employment, women’s empowerment, and civic participation.
With sustained reforms and investment in human capital, Iraq could join the ranks of very high human development countries by 2035. The report, produced under the leadership of the Ministry of Planning, with support from UNDP Iraq and Rewaq Baghdad, offers both a testament to progress and a roadmap for Iraq’s future.
Summary and full report:
https://www.undp.org/iraq/publications/iraq-national-human-development-report-2025
For media inquiries:
Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee, Communications Specialist, UNDP Iraq
mohammed.al-bahbahanee@undp.org +9647704399222