UNFPA Iran, together with key government counterparts, held the joint Annual Steering Committee Meeting of the 2023–2027 Country Programme. The session, co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and UNFPA, brought together representatives from ministries and national institutions to review 2024 results and align priorities for the year ahead.
In opening remarks, the MFA underscored the importance of revamping the strategic cooperation with UNFPA, aligning the joint results with national development priorities on the basis of strengthening national ownership. They also emphasized the need for reviewing the progress made, effective use of resources, and the importance of equitable support for both refugee populations and the Iranian host communities
UNFPA Officer in Charge Ms. Ayna Seyitlieva also acknowledged the opportunities for a revitalized implementation of the joint programme of cooperation and reflected on the key achievements of the collaborative efforts in 2024, affirming UNFPA's commitment to maximizing the impact of the joint programmes within the developmental landscape of Iran. These also included emergency responses to the Khoy earthquake and Sistan-Baluchistan floods, the implementation of the “Tomorrow Is Bright” innovation project to empower women and marginalized youth, and resource mobilization through international partnerships. She agreed about the importance of monitoring progress of the country programme and its acceleration vis-a-vis the planned results, identifying strategic priorities, particularly in light of global funding constraints, and emphasized the need to share Iran’s success stories internationally.
Partners from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, the Statistical Center of Iran, the Ministry of Health, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society shared updates on joint programmes—from maternal health and cancer screening to vocational training and disaster preparedness. Many expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration, especially in areas like women’s empowerment, community-based care, and innovation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen coordination, improve monitoring and reporting, and document results more rigorously. UNFPA reiterated its readiness to further maximize the emerging programme opportunities and highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships in delivering a lasting impact for women, youth, and people in vulnerable situations across Iran.
