In this workshop, the status and trend of demographic changes in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was first reviewed based on census data, especially the 2024 census, and the importance of strengthening demographic studies in this region was emphasized. Then, the demographic transition process and development capacities commensurate with the demographic conditions of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq were compared and identified. In this workshop, secondary analysis of census data showed that the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, although a pioneer compared to the rest of Iraq, has not yet fully experienced the demographic transition and, before entering the demographic window phase, it is necessary to pursue special policies, including addressing the unmet need in family planning and improving educational and health indicators. Efforts to reduce youth unemployment, promote agriculture and tourism, increase investment in the non-oil sector, and other economic policies have been proposed as strategies for managing the demographic window to take advantage of the developmental potential of demographic changes and avoid challenges or falling into the demographic trap in this region.
