(INA) publishes the final statement of Iraq Climate Conference

 
Baghdad-INA
 
The Iraqi News Agency (INA) publishes the text of the final statement of the Iraq Climate Conference, which was held under the auspices of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani in Basra Governorate for the days of March 12-13, with broad regional, Arab and international participation.
 
The statement ,which was received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA),  said that "under the of the Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia'a Al-Sudani, and in coordination with the relevant ministries and authorities, the Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee, The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), international organizations and diplomatic missions accredited in Iraq, a conference was held in Basra Governorate ( Iraq for Climate) under the title (Our Climate is Life) for the period from 12-13 March 2023.”

"The conference opened with a speech by the Prime Minister, who emphasized that" Holding of the Conference at this time and in Basra Governorate is a message of exceptional interest from the Government to meet the challenges of climate change and a message to the international community, international organizations and the international Financing Funds to support the efforts of the Iraqi Government in implementing the national contribution document to address the consequences of climate change, utilize international financing mechanisms and take governmental and community action to raise awareness of climate change importance, "
The statement continued, “On the sidelines of the conference, six specialized sessions were held in which Iraqi and foreign officials and experts participated to discuss dealing with the priorities of environmental challenges in Iraq, international financing, the specific national contribution, the role of civil society organizations and international organizations to support climate action and water scarcity, as well as a special session on climate challenges in Basra Governorate was held , and the conferees recommended the following :
 

• The conference adopts the important contents of Prime Minister Speech to serve as a platform for climate and environmental action for Iraq.
• Urging the parliament to allocate a national budget for climate change in 2023 in order to begin implementing the Nationally Determined Contribution priorities.
• Develop a comprehensive institutional coordination mechanism for each ministry in terms of climate change aspects.
• Enhancing the participatory approach between government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, UN organizations, the World Bank and other international entities to implement the NDCs, which will activate the role of civil society and the private sector in implementing these obligations.
• Urging the Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee as a major change maker in all activities in which Iraq participates in generalizing climate change in legislative, planning and financing activities and events.
• The conference called on all signatory members of international environmental agreements to enhance international cooperation in the joint management of Transboundary waters and to preserve the rights of the riparian countries.
• Affirming the importance of investing in flared gas and associated gas in the production of clean alternative energy to achieve the goal of zero flare in Iraq by 2030.
• Strengthening the partnership between the Ministries of Electricity and Oil for a gradual energy transition in Iraq.
• Emphasizing the importance of using sea water in oil extraction operations.
• The need to provide support for the initiatives of young people working in the field of renewable energy and the green economy.
• Calling for the establishing a national fund dedicated to combating climate change, which will ensure predictable funding for priority climate actions.
• Strengthening national institutions and creating an enabling environment for international financing of climate change.
• Developing Iraq's vision for climate change and the environment, preparing a comprehensive strategy for a sustainable green economy, and protecting vulnerable groups.
• The conference stresses the importance of joint financing to access international financing in combating the climate crisis and the implementation of voluntary contributions.
• The conference calls on the Central Bank to take all necessary measures to enhance affordable financing for the green economy, which supports the priorities of adaptation and mitigation in Iraq.