Baku: President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid discussed ways to enhance the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations Development Program. A statement by the presidency stated that “within the framework of the participation of President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in the work of the United Nations Climate Conference COP29, the President received today, Monday, at his residence in Baku, the Director of the United Nations Development Program UNDP Achim Steiner.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the meeting, ways to enhance the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations Development Program were discussed, in a way that develops public policies in the field of economic and social development in the country. The President of the Republic pointed out Iraq’s keenness to implement development projects that aim to attract foreign investments and create new job opportunities, in addition to activating the private sector, supporting it, and increasing its role in the de
velopment process.

The President stressed the need to intensify efforts to end the issue of the displaced and their suffering in Sinjar and to work to ensure a safe and stable return to their homes while providing basic services. He explained that this can be achieved by enhancing cooperation and joint coordination among government agencies and international organizations concerned with the displaced, pointing to the clear procrastination in the mechanisms of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the need to address it.

The President emphasized the importance of the United Nations playing its role through its various agencies to alleviate the humanitarian tragedy suffered by the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples as a result of systematic attacks. The meeting also discussed the topics to be addressed in the COP29 meetings, the expected outcomes, and the importance of aligning visions to reach agreements that lead to fruitful cooperation in combating climate change and its negative effe
cts on the world.

For his part, Steiner expressed his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Republic, stressing the keenness of the United Nations with all its components, including the UNDP, to enhance opportunities for achieving sustainable development in full and in a way that consolidates stability in all areas.