Prime Minister: Population census is an important civilizational and developmental step

 
 
Key Points from Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani’s Speech on the Launch of the 2024 Developmental Population Census in Iraq:
Al-Sudani said in a speech on the occasion of the population census, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):” A significant developmental and civilizational milestone begins tomorrow with the commencement of the general population and housing census, marking 37 years since the last comprehensive census in 1987 and the 1997 census, which excluded the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.”
 
The general population census is part of fulfilling the government’s program priorities and ensuring citizens’ rights to public services.
 
The census aims to shape economic and social development using modern, scientific methods, addressing information gaps in planning, service delivery, and national decision-making.
 
Today, we are establishing robust digital standards for the population and housing census, transforming it into a scientific tool for planning and development, moving beyond estimates and unverified assumptions.
 
The decision to implement the census reflects our confidence in the capabilities of our governmental institutions.
 
We are committed to serving our people with the highest scientific standards, identifying gaps, and providing accurate services to citizens.
 
The census will be conducted electronically and scientifically using the most advanced modern methods, ensuring results effectively serve the present and future of Iraqi citizens.
 
The resulting database will support state institutions, assist vulnerable groups in accessing services, identify crisis areas, and shape Iraq’s long-term development strategy.
 
The population census is more than collecting data; it is a tool for informed decision-making and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and services across governorates.
 
We urge citizens to cooperate with census teams, adhere to curfew regulations, and provide accurate information.
 
We emphasize that rumors linking the census to issues like taxes or social protection are baseless and should not be believed.
 
I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Planning and the Commission of Statistics and GIS for their efforts in preparing and organizing the census.
 
My thanks also go to all ministries, independent bodies, governorates, the Ministry of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the Statistics Office in the region for their significant roles.
 
We acknowledge and thank the United Nations Population Fund for its support throughout all stages of this project.
 
I appreciate the security services for ensuring a safe and stable environment, as well as the national media and journalism for their distinguished role in supporting this strategic project.