ACTIVATING PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS AS A MECHANISM TO BRIDGE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GAPS: AN ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PRACTICAL ENABLERS IN IRAQ (AL-MUTHANNA GOVERNORATE AS A CASE STUDY)

Authors

  • Rusul Abbas Fadhil
  • Wafaa Jaafar Ameen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6381

Keywords:

Public Works Programs, Sustainable Development, Poverty Reduction, Employment Generation, Infrastructure Development

Abstract

Public works programs represent a dual-impact development instrument. On the one hand, they stimulate aggregate demand by injecting direct cash incomes into the local economy. On the other hand, they contribute to the creation of productive public assets that enhance infrastructure efficiency and increase productivity across local sectors. The design of such programs requires careful consideration of economic, social, and environmental sustainability criteria, in addition to strengthening institutional coordination among government entities, international organizations, and the private sector. Adopting public works programs in Iraq can serve as a significant development lever to address poverty and unemployment, while promoting greater spatial and social equity. This, however, depends on integrating these programs within a comprehensive strategic framework for sustainable development, grounded in long-term planning and efficient management of public resources.

References

Aher, L., Tabák, L., Lyeonov, S., et al. (Year). Inclusive growth: Literature review. Journal of International Studies, 17(1), 208.

Alexander, K. (2015). Inclusive growth: Topic guide (p. 14). Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham.

Al-Muthanna Investment Commission. (2025). Why Al-Muthanna? Retrieved December 31, 2025, from https://miciraq.gov.iq/

Gehrke, E., & Hartwig, R. (2015). How can public works programs create sustainable employment? (Discussion Paper No. 11/2015, p. 17). Bonn: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik.

Hove, A., Liu, X., Stubhan, T., et al. (2020). International standards for sustainable infrastructure: An overview (pp. 23–25). German Cooperation (GIZ).

Keynes, J. M. (1936). The general theory of employment, interest, and money (p. 60). London: Macmillan.

McCord, A. (2008). A typology for public works programming (Natural Resource Perspectives No. 121, p. 3). London: Overseas Development Institute.

Republic of Iraq, Ministry of Planning, Central Statistical Organization. (2024). Population and housing census (p. 19).

United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). International good practice principles for sustainable infrastructure (2nd ed., p. 32). United Nations.

United Nations, & International Labour Organization. (Year). International good practice principles for sustainable infrastructure (2nd ed., draft, p. 35). United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), China.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-06

How to Cite

Fadhil, R. A., & Ameen, W. J. (2026). ACTIVATING PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS AS A MECHANISM TO BRIDGE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GAPS: AN ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PRACTICAL ENABLERS IN IRAQ (AL-MUTHANNA GOVERNORATE AS A CASE STUDY). Veredas Do Direito, 23(7), e6381. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6381

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 7 (2026): Veredas do Direito, v. 23, n. 7 2026

Section

Articles

License

I (we) submit this article which is original and unpublished, of my (our) own authorship, to the evaluation of the Veredas do Direito Journal, and agree that the related copyrights will become exclusive property of the Journal, being prohibited any partial or total copy in any other part or other printed or online communication vehicle dissociated from the Veredas do Direito Journal, without the necessary and prior authorization that should be requested in writing to Editor in Chief. I (we) also declare that there is no conflict of interest between the articles theme, the author (s) and enterprises, institutions or individuals.

I (we) recognize that the Veredas do Direito Journal is licensed under a CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE.

 

Licença Creative Commons Attribution 3.0