BUSINESS briefing on diversity & inclusion in iraq
18th April 2024
Summary
As a coalition of global companies, we welcome the signs of stability in Iraq and support the country’s efforts to create economic growth. We believe it is important to draw attention to the economic and business case for diversity and inclusion in Iraq. In particular, the evidence shows that policies designed to exclude minorities such as the LGBTQ+ community have a negative impact – not only on people, but on business performance as well as national economic competitiveness. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities costs state economies billions of dollars annually and acts as a brake on economic diversification and growth. We assess that the proposed amendments to the Anti-Prostitution law would undermine the confidence of potential international investors and corporations currently doing business in Iraq. As the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani seeks to diversify Iraq’s economy, reduce poverty, and create job opportunities for Iraq’s youth, the Open For Business coalition urges politicians to prioritize policies that foster a thriving national economy.