Iraq's 2024 census critical for national development plan, says Iraqi PM's advisor
"Through proper utilization of census results and statistical data, balanced development and greater social justice can be achieved," he added.
Nov. 21, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Dr. Mudher M. Salih, the Economic Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, emphasized on Thursday, that the 2024-2028 National Development Plan crucially depends on the outcomes of the 2024 population and housing census.
According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Salih stated that "the population census serves as the cornerstone for achieving fair resource distribution among various populations."
He explained that it provides decision-makers with a comprehensive view of population needs and helps reduce disparities between different groups and regions.
"Through proper utilization of census results and statistical data, balanced development and greater social justice can be achieved," he added.
Salih further elaborated that "the census enables the government and its planning apparatus to construct economic policies that consider geographic and demographic distribution, thereby promoting equitable utilization of national resources such as energy and water."
The advisor highlighted that "the census helps identify deprived areas or those lacking government investment, supporting policy direction toward reducing the development gap between urban and rural areas."
He added that "census-derived information enables the precise design of social support programs, including subsidy distribution, social welfare services, and housing projects for low-income groups."
"Census results spotlight population groups suffering from poverty, unemployment, or lack of basic services such as healthcare, education, and essential infrastructure, allowing the government to direct support and resources to these groups directly," Salih noted.
He emphasized that "census data serves as a fundamental tool for the state and relevant planning institutions to guide policies and resources in a way that achieves both social justice and development simultaneously."
Salih concluded by stating that "the 2024-2028 National Development Plan desperately needs to verify its path in development justice and resource distribution according to the comprehensive census results."
The ongoing national census in Iraq represents a crucial milestone in the country's development planning.
The last comprehensive census in 1997 excluded the Kurdistan Region, making this current census particularly significant for establishing accurate demographic data across all of Iraq.
The results will directly influence resource allocation and development strategies in the upcoming five-year national development plan.