Baghdad – IA
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Muhammad Ali Tamim, confirmed today, Wednesday, that the procedures for the General Population and Housing Census 2024 are taking place completely smoothly, warning that no case affecting the process has been recorded so far.
The Ministry of Planning stated in a statement – received by the (INA): “The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Muhammad Ali Tamim, received the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Ambassador Muhammad Al-Hassan, at the headquarters of the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority, to review the progress of Work on implementing the general population and housing census, and during the meeting aspects of joint cooperation between Iraq and the UN mission were discussed in various fields.
The Minister stressed – according to the statement - “the importance of the census in obtaining accurate information and data, which reflects positively on development plans and thus helps in providing better services to achieve economic growth.”
Tamim stated that “the census procedures are taking place completely smoothly and smoothly, and no case has been recorded that affects the process of implementing the census so far,” indicating that “conducting the census electronically represents an important and advanced step that will contribute to reaching detailed results in record time, and that the electronic systems Which was developed to protect data with high security and very tight security.”
For his part, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations praised “the level of work and effort exerted by the Ministry of Planning and the Statistics Authority in implementing this major entitlement,” stressing “the quality of work and the application of international standards in implementing the census through the use of modern mechanisms and technologies.” .
He pointed out, ”The importance of this project in ensuring the fair distribution of wealth in the country, as well as its developmental importance in formulating future policies in all fields,” offering congratulations to “the government and people of Iraq on the occasion of conducting the population census, which represents an important entitlement on the economic and social levels.”
What are the potential benefits of Iraq’s 2024 population census for local governance and resource allocation?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Iraq’s 2024 Population Census
Editor: Good day and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Layla Jabari, a renowned demographer and expert in population studies, to discuss the upcoming General Population and Housing Census scheduled for 2024 in Iraq. Dr. Jabari, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Jabari: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Muhammad Ali Tamim, confirmed that the preparations for the census are underway and proceeding smoothly. How crucial is this census for Iraq at this moment in time?
Dr. Jabari: The census is incredibly significant for Iraq as it provides a comprehensive snapshot of the population, which is essential for effective governance and planning. Accurate demographic data will help the government allocate resources, plan public services, and address the unique needs of different communities within the country.
Editor: It’s been reported that there have been no cases affecting the census process so far. How can the government ensure that the census runs without disruptions, especially given Iraq’s complex socio-political landscape?
Dr. Jabari: Maintaining stability during the census process is key. The government needs to engage various stakeholders, including local communities and international organizations like the UN, to promote transparency and build trust. Continuous outreach and education about the census process can also help alleviate any public concerns, encouraging participation and accuracy in data collection.
Editor: During his meeting with UAE Special Representative Muhammad Al-Hassan, Minister Tamim discussed aspects of cooperation between Iraq and the UN mission. What role does international cooperation play in the success of such national projects?
Dr. Jabari: International cooperation is vital. The United Nations can provide technical assistance, training, and resources that strengthen the capacity of local institutions to conduct the census. Additionally, having credible international oversight can enhance the legitimacy of the process and its findings, which is essential for building confidence in the data collected.
Editor: In terms of technological integration, how can advances in technology aid the census process, and have you seen any examples of this in similar contexts?
Dr. Jabari: Technology can greatly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the census. For instance, using digital data collection tools and geographic information systems can help streamline the process. In countries like Uganda and India, we’ve seen successful implementations of mobile technologies to facilitate real-time data collection and mapping, which has significantly reduced errors and improved response rates. Iraq could certainly benefit from adopting such innovations.
Editor: What are some potential challenges that may arise as Iraq embarks on this census journey, and how can they address these challenges proactively?
Dr. Jabari: Some potential challenges include political instability, public mistrust, and logistical issues in remote areas. To address these, the government should foster community engagement through education campaigns that highlight the importance of the census. They could also set up a feedback mechanism to address public concerns and collaborate with civil society organizations to reach marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone is counted.
Editor: As we gear up for 2024, what are your hopes for the outcome of this census in terms of its impact on Iraq?
Dr. Jabari: I hope the census will produce reliable and disaggregated data that reflects the diversity of Iraq’s population. This data can be pivotal for creating targeted policies and programs that can drive development, foster inclusive growth, and ensure that no community is left behind. Ultimately, a successful census could serve as a foundation for rebuilding the nation’s social fabric and trust in governmental institutions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jabari, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that the 2024 General Population and Housing Census holds significant promise for Iraq’s future, and we appreciate your expertise in helping us understand its importance.
Dr. Jabari: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes from this important initiative in Iraq.
Editor: This has been an engaging discussion on the upcoming census in Iraq. Stay tuned for more updates on developments in this area and other pressing global issues. Thank you for joining us today!