Al-Askari stresses the need to adhere to international standards in implementing environmental projects

Baghdad - INA

Minister of Environment Ha Lo Al-Askari confirmed, today, Tuesday, working to make 2025 a year of comprehensive environmental advancement, while stressing commitment to international standards in implementing environmental plans and projects.

A statement by the ministry, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "Minister of Environment Ha Lo Al-Askari chaired a meeting, in the presence of undersecretaries and advisors, to discuss the ministry's annual plan for 2025, where the minister stressed that 2025 will be a year in which we seek to achieve comprehensive environmental advancement at all levels," stressing "the importance of integrated work between ministries, local governments, and civil society organizations, considering that environmental work is a shared responsibility that includes all official bodies and society.".

The statement added that "the meeting addressed basic axes related to environmental work from the organizational, administrative, financial, and planning aspects, to improve institutional performance and achieve the set environmental goals.".

Al-Askari pointed out "the necessity of adhering to international environmental standards in implementing environmental plans and projects, with a focus on activating programs that contribute to the sustainability of natural resources and reducing negative environmental impacts." He also stressed "the importance of cooperation and coordination between all parties," explaining that "teamwork between ministries and local authorities is the way to achieve the ministry's vision for 2025.".

The Minister stressed "the need to support governorates in implementing environmental projects in line with their needs, in addition to enhancing the role of society and civil society organizations in achieving sustainable environmental development goals.",

The statement added that "the meeting also discussed the challenges facing the implementation of annual plans and ways to overcome them, with the adoption of recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficiency of administrative and financial performance, and focusing on implementing environmental projects that have a direct positive impact on the environment and society.".

At the end of the meeting, the Minister stressed "the importance of intensifying community awareness programs on the importance of preserving the environment, as it is a shared responsibility among all."