On the past 9 December, the Government of Iraq launched the first national education and higher education strategy for the period of 2012-2022.

This strategy was developed by education experts and advisers in the ministries of education and higher education in Baghdad and Erbil, who were supported by UNICEF, UNESCO and the World Bank. The strategy now launched has been developed through several nationwide consultations since 2008. It aims to improve access to quality education for the Iraqi population, and namely for the most deprived children and youth. In addition, it intends to foster social reintegration and cohesion and to prevent social exclusion.

The strategy sets out to provide free and accessible education from pre-school to higher education and to ensure a high quality education based on global best practices.

In the area of higher education, the strategy reinforces the importance of having high quality curricula, institutions and resources. The principles of noble values, national identity, career ethics, democracy, human rights and a culture of integrity are also outlined in the national strategy as principles guiding the areas of higher education and scientific research.

UN News Centre

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research