UN: Ready to help Iraq confront the threat of water scarcity

INA - BAGHDAD

The United Nations expressed on Monday its readiness to help Iraq confront the threat of water scarcity.

“I am pleased to stand with the Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Dhiab, to launch the 'Water is Life' campaign, which aims to raise awareness among the Iraqi people,” said the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, during a press conference - attended by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

Isaczai explained, "Iraq is one of the countries most affected by water scarcity, so the UN, with all its 22 agencies, works in the field of rationalizing water use, in the field of agriculture and ensuring environmental sustainability. On this basis, we want to exploit our available expertise to help Iraq overcome the problem of water scarcity."

"According to the available estimates, Iraq will only be able to secure 15% of its water needs by 2035. On this basis, it is important to raise awareness among citizens and ensure water security," he pointed out.

Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Dhiab Abdullah, announced the launching of a major campaign to rationalize water consumption.