UN Secretary General: United Nations Will Always Walk Alongside the People of Iraq

Iraqi PM's Media Office

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani at their joint press conference.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) formally concluded its mandate on Monday during a ceremony in Baghdad attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani. Both sides emphasised that the mission’s closure marks not an end, but the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations.

In his address, Secretary-General Guterres expressed gratitude for Iraq’s warm welcome and paid tribute to the country’s rich civilisational heritage, describing Iraq as a cradle of culture, writing, and early justice. He praised the resilience of the Iraqi people, who “overcame decades of violence, oppression, war, terrorism, sectarianism and foreign interference,” and commended Iraq’s progress in constitutional development, elections, regional diplomacy, and the defeat of Da’esh (ISIS).

Reflecting on UNAMI’s two decades of work, Guterres noted the mission’s support for judicial reforms, human rights, civic space, and political reconciliation. He highlighted its efforts during the fight against Da’esh, including assisting millions of displaced people and supporting key agreements such as the 2020 Sinjar accord. He also honoured the victims of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, including the mission’s first chief, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.

Guterres stressed that although the mission is ending, the UN’s engagement with Iraq will continue through its agencies, funds, and programmes focused on sustainable development, governance, and human rights. The Secretary-General welcomed Iraq’s decision to name a central Baghdad street “UN Street” in recognition of the UN’s role and sacrifices.

Prime Minister Al Sudani, speaking at a joint press conference, affirmed that UNAMI’s closure “does not mean the end of the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.” He praised the mission’s role since 2003 and said Iraq has now transitioned from crisis management to long-term development planning and self-sufficiency.

Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s recent electoral achievements, noting that the sixth parliamentary elections were the “most organised and credible” since 2003 and saw turnout exceed 56%. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing reconstruction projects, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening democratic institutions.

The Prime Minister also underscored Iraq’s balanced foreign policy, its efforts to protect sovereignty, and its initiatives to expand opportunities for youth and women. He welcomed the appointment of former Iraqi President Barham Salih as the new UN High Commissioner for Refugees, calling it an opportunity for Iraq to contribute more broadly to global humanitarian efforts.

In a gesture of appreciation for the UN’s long-standing role in Iraq, al-Sudani announced that a street in central Baghdad would be named “United Nations Street,” with a memorial to be established near the Monument of the Unknown Soldier to honour UN personnel who lost their lives serving in Iraq.



PUKMEDIA