Advisor to the Prime Minister: National Development Plan 2024-2028 depends on Census Data

Baghdad – INA
 
The Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Salih, affirmed on Thursday, that the success of the National Development Plan 2024-2028 is intrinsically depends on the comprehensive outcomes of the 2024 General Population and Housing Census.
 
In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Dr. Salih remarked: “The population census constitutes a cornerstone for achieving equitable resource allocation among all demographic segments. It provides decision-makers with a holistic perspective on societal needs, enabling them to address disparities across regions and population groups. Properly harnessing the data generated by the census will pave the way for balanced economic development and enhanced social justice.”
 
He further underscored the significance of the census in facilitating strategic economic policymaking, stating: “The census equips the government and its planning bodies with critical data to formulate economic strategies that are attuned to the geographic and demographic realities of the nation. Such insights are essential for optimizing the equitable distribution of national resources, including energy, water, and other vital assets.”
 
Salih highlighted the role of the census in identifying areas that are economically disadvantaged or suffer from insufficient government investment: “The data will serve as a guide to mitigate developmental imbalances between urban and rural regions. Moreover, it will enable the design of targeted social support programs, such as subsidies, social welfare initiatives, and housing projects tailored for low-income groups.”
 
He also noted the broader implications of the census for national policy: “The census data will illuminate the pressing issues faced by vulnerable populations, including poverty, unemployment, and the lack of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By leveraging this data, the government can ensure the precise allocation of resources to address these challenges effectively.”
 
Salih concluded by emphasizing the critical role of the census in shaping the forthcoming development agenda: “The findings of the census will serve as an indispensable tool for state institutions and planning bodies, enabling them to craft policies that promote both social equity and sustainable development. The National Development Plan 2024-2028 requires careful alignment with the census results to guarantee just resource distribution and to secure a trajectory of balanced economic growth.”