Iraqi Minister of Planning Muhammad Ali Tamim and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to enhance cooperation on several fronts, notably the 2024 general population census. 

The Ministry of Planning stated that “the memorandum aims to bolster joint efforts on population issues and progress towards development goals.” 

UNFPA representative Nestor Amohangi, who co-signed the memorandum, highlighted the organization's commitment to providing technical and technological support for the census. 

He also said that there would be efforts to mobilize resources from donor agencies and international bodies to ensure the census's success.

Dhiaa Awad Kazem, Iraqi President of the Statistics and Geographic Information Authority, noted that the renewed agreement follows a Cabinet decision to continue the partnership established in 2020. He stressed the importance of international support and recognition for the electronic census, which seeks global acceptance of its results.

He expressed optimism about the continued collaboration with UNFPA, citing the advanced expertise and knowledge exchange the fund offers for conducting effective censuses.

The Iraqi Ministry of Planning has announced several key updates regarding the upcoming general population and housing census, scheduled for November 20, 2024. 

This will be an electronic census, with the final results expected to be available within six weeks. The census form includes over 70 questions, none of which address ethnicity or sect, emphasizing a more inclusive approach.

One significant aspect of this census is the inclusion of nomadic Bedouins, which highlights the comprehensive nature of the count. The Ministry has been actively preparing for this major nationwide endeavor, with all available human resources and mechanisms ready to ensure a smooth and effective process.

A pilot census was launched on Friday across various provinces, including the Kurdistan Region, as a preparatory step. The pilot commenced on May 26, in selected areas across all provinces, in which the Ministry demonstrates commitment to thorough preparation and accurate data collection.

In addition, the Ministry of Planning has announced that November 20 and 21 will be designated holidays to facilitate census activities. Trainer preparation courses for the census have also begun, focusing on Baghdad and other provinces, and are set to continue into the second half of July.