Iraq: Benefiting from the Green Climate Funds to improve the environment

INA - BAGHDAD

Acting Minister of Environment Salih Al-Hasnawi confirmed on Tuesday the Iraqi government's keenness to cooperate with the United Nations and the international community in climate change, noting that Iraq will benefit from the Green Climate Funds to improve the environmental reality.

Al-Hasnawi headed the Iraqi negotiating delegation at the COP29 World Climate Conference in Azerbaijan, said the Ministry of Environment in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

During his chairmanship of the Iraqi negotiating delegation at the COP29 World Climate Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Al-Hasnawi confirmed that "Iraq will work to benefit from the Green Climate Funds to support environmental improvement projects and confront the effects of climate change."

"The Iraqi government is keen to cooperate with the United Nations and the international community in the climate change file, and the importance of the international community's support for Iraq to implement major projects to improve the environment. There is a need for continuous international support for Iraq to confront the challenges of climate extremism and achieve sustainable development goals," he added.

He highlighted, "The establishment of the General Company for Carbon Economics in Iraq is one of the basic steps adopted by the Iraqi government to achieve environmental improvement and enhance the green economy. Iraq has passed the planning stage and entered the implementation stage in climate action," stressing "the government's seriousness in opening new horizons towards the green economy to support environmental and development efforts."

Regarding global trends toward abandoning fossil fuels, Al-Hasnawi explained that "Iraq does not support the rapid abandonment of this vital resource in a way that negatively affects its national economy," stressing "the need to achieve a balance between the requirements of environmental transformation and economic stability."

Al-Hasnawi expressed his appreciation for the role of the President of the Republic in the conference, as "his speech focused on Iraq's interests and highlighted the progress made in the climate field, reflecting Iraq's commitment to its environmental responsibilities at the international level."

"Iraq is participating with a special pavilion in the conference that includes about 30 side events that review Iraqi environmental projects and enhance cooperation with international organizations. The Iraqi delegation also includes experts and specialized technicians to contribute to the negotiations of the Paris Climate Agreement to strengthen Iraq's position in global efforts to combat climate change," he mentioned.