Baghdad: The Ministry of Environment and the United Nations have initiated the formation of the Environmental Advisory Council to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Iraq. The Minister of Environment, Dr. Ha Lu Al-Askari, highlighted the urgent need for both local and international collaboration to tackle issues such as air pollution affecting cities like Baghdad and Basra.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Al-Askari met with Ishaq Ghulam, Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, along with representatives from international organizations including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Program (WFP), and the World Bank. The meeting focused on establishing the Environmental Advisory Council, which aims to coordinate environmental efforts, identify national priorities, and strengthen international partnerships.

The council is set to include international experts, Iraqi academics, and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Environment, state institutions, and the private sector. The need to revise the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) document in line with environmental and sustainable development updates was also discussed.

The Ministry of Environment is committed to reducing pollution and promoting environmental sustainability through scientific strategies and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for a sustainable future for Iraq.