On 16 December 2025, Sard Organization for Society Support (SOSS), in coordination with the Ministry of Planning (MoP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), conducted a distinguished event at the Divan Hotel in Erbil governorate titled “Planning and Statistics: An Essential Relationship for the Future of the Kurdistan Region”.

The event brought together key government officials from various ministries, including Planning, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Agriculture and Water Resources, Trade and Industry, Construction and Housing, and Labour and Social Affairs. Attendees also included advisors to the Council of Ministers, Kurdistan Region Statistics Office (KRSO) officers, heads of statistics directorates, and professors from universities across the region.

Successfully organized by a joint team from SOSS, MoP, and UNFPA, the event aimed to underscore the critical importance of statistics and its vital role in society. The program featured four informative seminars delivered by distinguished experts:

• General Census and Its Implications

Presented by the Deputy Minister of Planning, Mr. Sirwan Mohammed Mohiuddin, this session examined the outcomes of Iraq’s 2024 census and explored its significant implications for policy development, resource allocation, and strategic planning in the Kurdistan Region.

• Roadmap for Future Data and Information Acquisition

Dr. Hemn Abdulkhaliq Gaznayi presented a comprehensive roadmap outlining how the Kurdistan Regional Government can enhance its data-collection systems and establish robust mechanisms for acquiring accurate and timely information across all governmental sectors.

• The Power and Impact of Statistics on Society

Dr. Delshad Shaker Ismael Botani highlighted how statistical data serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making, demonstrating its crucial role in shaping social policies, guiding economic development, and improving the quality of life for citizens.

• Population Changes and Their Effects on Planning

Mr. Gohdar Mohammed Ali analyzed demographic trends and population dynamics in the Kurdistan Region, discussing how these changes influence urban planning, infrastructure development, healthcare services, and educational needs.

The seminars provided valuable insights and practical strategies for improving the data collection process and utilization across all sectors in the Kurdistan Region, reinforcing the essential relationship between statistics and effective governance.