Abdallah Al-Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Arab States, said discussions with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi focused on a broad reform agenda aimed at modernizing Iraq’s economy, strengthening governance, and attracting investment.

Al-Dardari said the Prime Minister outlined a vision centered on building a productive, real-economy model, accelerating digital transformation, and combating corruption to support sustainable economic growth.

“The Prime Minister emphasized the automation and digitalization of public institutions, as well as the development of Iraq’s financial system to attract domestic, Arab, and foreign private investment,” Al-Dardari said.

The talks also addressed local development initiatives, including efforts to promote economic and social stability in Sinjar and other liberated areas that have undergone reconstruction but continue to face economic challenges due to limited private-sector activity and investment.

Al-Dardari noted that discussions covered the proposed South Fund, which aims to improve economic conditions in southern provinces where unemployment rates remain among the highest in the country.

He added that Prime Minister Al-Zaidi stressed the importance of transitioning toward a more competitive economy while maintaining social protections for vulnerable groups affected by the reforms. The meeting also explored support for the Development Fund, which is intended to mobilize private capital for carefully planned investment projects through an appropriate legislative and institutional framework.

Al-Dardari reaffirmed the UNDP’s readiness to support Iraq’s reform efforts, highlighting the organization’s expertise in implementing development financing projects efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with international standards.