The Ministry of Environment announced today, Sunday, the launch of five documents for joint strategic initiatives between the Republic of Iraq and the United Nations aimed at improving the environmental situation in the country.
The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), “Under the patronage of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the capital, Baghdad, hosted today the launch ceremony of five documents for joint strategic initiatives between the Republic of Iraq, represented by the Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations system. The ceremony was attended by high-level representatives of the international community and diplomatic missions operating in Iraq.”
According to the statement, Minister of Environment Halo Al-Askari emphasized that “the Iraqi government has given exceptional attention to the environmental issue, moving it from the planning stage to the implementation stage through integrated strategies aimed at improving the environmental situation and addressing the repercussions of climate change.”
He added, “The Iraqi government, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has achieved clear success through effective partnerships with the international community, United Nations agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, as well as systematic cooperation with sectoral ministries such as oil, electricity, industry, water resources, agriculture, municipalities, and others, within specific roles within the framework of Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).”
He explained that “the DOCs will result in practical programs, plans, and projects that will have a direct impact on serving the most vulnerable groups and regions.” He emphasized that “Iraq faces growing challenges, including scarce water resources, high salinity levels, expanding desertification, and worsening air and water pollution problems. This is in addition to the environmental and livelihood pressures that fragile areas, particularly in the southern governorates, are experiencing, leading to repeated waves of environmental migration.”
For his part, Ishaq Ghulam, the UN Secretary-General’s Representative, according to the statement, commended the achievements of the Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, appreciating its ability to shorten the time and effort required to achieve high-level partnerships with the international community. He particularly noted the exceptional efforts made by the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning.
He emphasized that harmony and coordination open promising prospects for enhancing joint climate action and ensuring the success of the proposed initiatives.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning, Maher Johan, also highlighted the importance of the fruitful cooperation between the Ministries of Planning and Environment, which has effectively contributed to formulating environmental policies and strategies.
According to the statement “The launch event witnessed a wide attendance from all United Nations agencies, along with a number of ambassadors and representatives of Arab countries and friendly foreign countries operating in Iraq, affirming the importance of these initiatives and their role in supporting climate action at the national and international levels.”
