Baghdad: The Environment Ministry and the United Nations are collaborating on initiatives to protect water resources and reduce pollution and waste across Iraq. The Minister of Environment, Ha Lu Al-Askari, engaged in discussions with Ishaq Ghulam, the Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, and his delegation to explore mechanisms for joint cooperation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Askari emphasized the government’s strategic focus on water management and its efforts to unify both national and international resources to mitigate pollution and promote optimal water use. He mentioned the existence of clear plans being implemented in concert with various ministries and sectoral bodies, aiming to expedite the execution of priority projects.

The statement from the meeting highlighted the review of technical reports produced by joint committees between the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations. These reports include projects under preparation, such as addressing pollution in the Tangro River in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, which is one of the significant environmental challenges in the Kurdistan Region.

Ishaq Ghulam reiterated the United Nations’ full support for the Ministry of Environment’s efforts, expressing the organization’s readiness to provide necessary technical and logistical backing for environmental projects. These initiatives are expected to enhance sustainability goals and improve Iraq’s environmental conditions.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain coordination and follow up on joint action priorities, as well as to develop a comprehensive roadmap for water protection and pollution reduction programs.