Baghdad: An Iraqi delegation, led by Dr. Raghad Asad Al-Obaidi, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Environment, actively participated in the high-level segment of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17). The conference saw involvement from numerous countries and international organizations focused on addressing drought, land degradation, and environmental challenges.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Al-Obaidi presented Iraq’s statement during the high-level segment, emphasizing the significance of innovative financial mechanisms to ensure healthy land, enhance resilience to drought, and support sustainable solutions. She highlighted the importance of strengthening both national and regional capacities to effectively tackle the challenges posed by drought and land degradation.
Dr. Al-Obaidi also served as a speaker in the event titled “From Drought Risks to a Water-Secure Future,” organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). This session explored strategies to manage the risks associated with sand and dust storms, enhance regional cooperation, exchange data, develop early warning systems, and restore ecosystems. The discussion also focused on supporting sustainable solutions through funding and investment.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Al-Obaidi and Dr. Sinan Jaafar, Director General of the Department of Environmental Protection and Improvement in the Central Region, engaged in talks with Engineer Jamaan Al-Qahtani, the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Director of the Regional Meteorological Center, along with Sonia Koppel. These discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging expertise in managing sand and dust storm risks, as well as supporting joint efforts to mitigate their impacts.
The Iraqi ministerial delegation also took part in various discussions and events in the main hall of the conference, focusing on combating drought and restoring land within the framework of COP17.