Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has underscored the critical need for collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to implement the recommendations stemming from the Baghdad Water Conferences. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Al-Sudani met with Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of FAO, on Sunday.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani highlighted the significance of working alongside the FAO to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, which has severely impacted the environment, leading to water scarcity and increased desertification in Iraq. He commended the efforts of Qu Dongyu and FAO officials in implementing and sponsoring various projects within the country.

Al-Sudani further pointed out that Iraq’s National Food Security Strategy serves as a key framework for collaborative efforts with the FAO. This strategy aims to boost local production, decrease reliance on imports, achieve self-sufficiency in wheat, and support the nation’s farmers and agricultural workers.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the outcomes from the Carbon Economics Conference held in Baghdad, as well as the memoranda of understanding signed with international companies to advance the green economy. He stressed the necessity to apply the conclusions from the 36th FAO Regional Conference for the Near East, held in Baghdad in 2022, to the Baghdad Ministerial Declaration. This adoption is crucial for transitioning to modern technological systems, supporting small enterprises, empowering youth, and enhancing the role of women in the economy.

On his part, Qu Dongyu assured continued coordination with Iraq and expressed readiness to initiate a project designed to strengthen Iraq’s capacity to combat climate change. This project, funded by various parties including Iraq and the FAO, has a total budget nearing $40 million.