The United Nations will open a “new chapter” in Iraq, shifting from a political mission to a development-focused partnership following the conclusion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) at year’s end, the organization announced.

In a statement titled “A new chapter for the UN in Iraq,” UNAMI confirmed that while its mandate ends on December 31, 2025, UN engagement will continue through its Country Team. Future cooperation will be led by the UN resident coordinator and operate under the newly signed United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the Iraqi government, dated December 25, 2025.

The transition marks a strategic pivot toward long-term sustainable development led by Iraqi institutions. The UN stated its work will continue supporting Iraqi priorities in economic diversification, climate action, water management, social protection, governance, and creating durable solutions for displaced persons, affirming it “remains a committed partner to the Iraqi government.”

The announcement aligns with recent Iraqi government statements outlining the post-UNAMI relationship. Government spokesperson Basem al-Awadi stated that future UN coordination will be managed by Ghulam Mohammad, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq.

Al-Awadi framed the mission’s closure as “an important step toward restoring full Iraqi sovereignty.” He emphasized that future UN coordination will be strictly limited to development and humanitarian issues, with no political involvement. “The UN’s political role will formally end with the conclusion of UNAMI’s mandate within the next two weeks,” he said.

This position was previously underscored by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani last month. During a farewell meeting with the outgoing UN Special Representative, Mohamed al-Hassan, Al-Sudani thanked UNAMI for its support since 2003. He stated the mission’s end reflects “the growing capacity of Iraqi state institutions” to handle their constitutional duties and reinforces national sovereignty.

Established in 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1500, UNAMI’s mandate was expanded in 2007. Its closure was set in motion by Security Council Resolution 2732 in May 2024, which extended the mission for a final period. All operational activities are set to cease on December 31, 2025, followed by a period of residual administrative liquidation.