Ten years of GIZ in Iraq: a decade of working in Iraq
As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect not only on the year, but also on a decade of working in and with Iraq. This year marks the 10th anniversary of GIZ’s mission in Iraq – a mission that was reinforced in 2014 during a challenging period. The rise of the so-called Islamic State left widespread destruction in Iraq. Women, children and men were forced to flee their homes and left everything behind. Many families sought refuge in the Kurdish Region of Iraq. This also placed huge pressure on host communities. The needs were immense.
We helped Iraqi partners to rebuild schools and hospitals, restore water systems and supported vulnerable families to get through the crisis. But recovery means more than rebuilding infrastructure — the need to rebuild society, from peacebuilding to participating in policy dialogues and political decision-making, and to supporting employment prospects remain. To create new opportunities, we have strengthened local government partners to make their services more citizen centric. In addition to that, with regards to economic development and job creation, we have supported more than half a million people find jobs, start businesses and complete skill trainings.
Our work has evolved over time. Today, we focus not only on urgent needs but on long-term reforms. As a middle-income country, good governance will allow Iraq to shape its development pathway – a future in which citizens enjoy prosperity and wellbeing. To achieve this, we support with our partners to strengthen institutions, improve governance and drive reforms that support Iraq. From managing water resources to improving municipal services, our efforts aim to build a more sustainable future. Topics, such as combating the global climate challenge, gain increased focus in our work. Economic reforms remain critical as many young people graduate and are looking for jobs that provide long-term income opportunities.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our political partners, international and national partner organisations and the people of Iraq. We have learned from each other and found solutions together. It is the people of Iraq who inspire us daily—from young entrepreneurs solving the country’s plastic waste problem to healthcare workers serving underserved communities, together we work on a future worth living.
We spoke to some of our partners and asked them to share their experience. Watch the video and hear from them!