The Relationship Between Population Growth and the Achievement of Sustainable Development in Iraq After 2015

Abstract

 The relationship between population growth and the achievement of sustainable development is grounded in the reciprocal interaction between demographic and developmental variables. In Iraq, population growth has been witnessing a steady annual increase due to rising fertility rates, early marriage, polygamy, improvements in healthcare services, limited awareness of family planning programs, as well as prevailing social and cultural factors. Following 2014, population growth in Iraq has encountered significant security, health, and economic challenges, which have been reflected in the demographic structure and the provision of basic services. Unregulated population growth constitutes a major impediment to the attainment of sustainable development, as it generates increasing pressures on resources, infrastructure, and the quality of public services. Nevertheless, population growth can be harnessed as a supportive factor for sustainable development in Iraq through effective population policies that regulate demographic transitions and capitalize on the demographic dividend by improving health and education systems and promoting the empowerment of women and youth. This is contingent upon the effectiveness of population policies in integrating demographic indicators into development strategies and achieving the necessary balance between demographic demands and the objectives of sustainable development. Accordingly, decision-makers must work towards institutionalizing the demographic variable within public policies and programs, including those related to education, health, economic development, spatial planning, environmental management, and the social empowerment of women and youth.