Baghdad: The launch of the “Initiatives to Strengthen Arbitration and Combat Corruption for Environmental Justice” project was announced in Baghdad on Tuesday. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Iraqi government and with financial support from the European Union.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the EU Ambassador to Iraq, Clemens Simetner, stated in a press release to the media in Baghdad: “We announce the launch of the second phase of the ‘Initiatives to Strengthen Arbitration and Combat Corruption for Environmental Justice’ project, funded by the European Union, in an effort to contribute to the development of the Iraqi economy.”

He added that the project’s funding contributes to providing assistance and ensuring the reliability of its implementation. The first phase, which strengthened the administrative structure of Iraqi anti-corruption bodies, has been completed. Further efforts have been made to develop the investigative journalism capabilities necessary to uncover corruption.

Simetner noted that Iraq managed to jump 14 places in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the efforts of Iraqi anti-corruption bodies. He emphasized the responsibility of every Iraqi citizen in addressing the consequences of climate change, alongside official bodies.

He further explained that the primary objectives of the second phase focus on linking climate protection outcomes with corruption combat mechanisms. Programs developed for this project are set to be implemented in the new phase.

Ahmed Abdullah Abdul Khalaf Al-Jubouri, Vice President of the Federal Integrity Commission, stated that a meeting was held for the Steering Committee’s second phase of the Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Enhancement Project. The first phase, running from 2021 to 2025, was funded by the European Union and managed by the UNDP in Iraq. The newly launched second phase will focus on environmental justice and the use of wisdom and artificial intelligence in combating corruption.

He highlighted the environmental risks facing Iraq, including increasing desertification and water encroachment, which threaten the state’s existence and future generations.

In turn, UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Titon Mitra, commended the Federal Integrity Commission for its commitment and achievements in combating corruption. The first phase has been successfully implemented, and continued efforts in the second phase are crucial.

Mitra praised the Iraqi government’s efforts in linking corruption combat mechanisms with climate change issues. He noted that Iraq is the first country in the region to successfully link these mechanisms with climate action, affecting all aspects of life in Iraq.

He emphasized the aspiration for economic growth and development without compromising climate change initiatives. The support of the European Union mission is seen as pivotal in achieving the goals of the project’s second phase.