Baghdad: The Ministry of Environment is exploring mechanisms to enhance international funding for environmental and climate projects in Iraq. The Ministry of Environment, during a specialized workshop on international financing mechanisms, discussed ways to enhance the capacity of national institutions to access international funding sources and develop viable and implementable environmental and climate projects and programs that align with national priorities and the requirements of sustainable development in Iraq.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Raghad Asad Al-Obaidi, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department and Acting Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister of Environment. She emphasized that international financing is a fundamental tool for transforming national plans and strategies into impactful projects and programs. She stressed the importance of strengthening institutional coordination and enhancing the readiness of national entities to prepare projects that meet the standards and requirements adopted by international funding bodies and institutions.
The Minister’s speech also highlighted the importance of understanding the various international financing mechanisms and the requirements for accessing them, as well as building the capacity of national institutions to prepare viable environmental and climate projects that align with national priorities, sustainable development goals, and climate action requirements.
The workshop addressed key international funding sources and mechanisms related to environmental, climate, and development fields, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank, and the Loss and Damage Fund, in addition to United Nations programs and funds, and other international development agencies.
It also discussed the requirements for preparing bankable projects, mechanisms for accessing donors, and the importance of aligning proposed projects with national priorities and the standards adopted by funding agencies. This alignment aims to enhance Iraq’s chances of obtaining the necessary financial and technical resources to implement its environmental and climate projects.
The workshop saw the participation of representatives from national institutions and agencies, experts, and relevant international organizations, with the goal of exchanging experiences and knowledge and discussing opportunities for developing cooperation in the field of environmental and climate finance.
The Ministry of Environment commended the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in supporting Iraq and strengthening the capacities of national institutions. It emphasized the importance of continued partnerships with international organizations, donors, and the private sector to support the implementation of environmental and development projects with a sustainable impact.
The workshop’s outcomes are expected to contribute to enhancing national capacities in the field of international financing, identifying priorities and funding needs, and developing more effective pathways for preparing and implementing bankable environmental and climate projects.