DSRSG/RC/HC Ghulam Isaczai Opening Remarks - Launch of the "Water is Life" Campaign

H.E. Aoun Diab Abdullah, Minister of Water Resources,

Distinguished guests, colleagues, and ladies and gentlemen,

Al-Salamu Alikum and Good morning.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of the joint UN and Ministry of Water Resources "Water is Life" campaign together with H.E., the Minister.

Water is not just a resource; it is the very essence of life itself.

Every water drop counts, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this vital resource is preserved and conserved for future generations.

Today, water crisis is one of the most pressing and urgent challenges facing Iraq. This issue transcends environmental concerns, touching every facet of life, from national security to public health, from agricultural productivity to social stability.

The crisis is immediate and severe, with far-reaching consequences if left unaddressed.

Allow me to share some alarming facts based on scientific data. By 2050, we could see temperature increases of 2-4°C and reductions in precipitation by up to 20 per cent in key agricultural regions by 2040.

Additionally, river flows are expected to decline by 30-40 per cent, and experts predict that by 2035, Iraq will only be able to meet 15 per cent of its water needs.

This looming crisis threatens to exacerbate rural poverty and displace communities, particularly in the southern regions.

Therefore, the "Water is Life" campaign is not just an initiative; it is a call to action.

Over the next year, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness about the urgency of the water crisis and promote individual and collective responsibility.

This campaign will be rolled out in four distinct phases, each designed to build a comprehensive understanding and foster active engagement.

Throughout this campaign, we aim to instill a sense of hope and optimism. While we must communicate the gravity of the situation, we also want to inspire collective action and resilience.

We will leverage a diverse range of content to reach a wide audience, from simple messages to expert interviews, infographics, and videos.

Collaboration is key. We will coordinate with line ministries, local governments, civil society groups, academia, and influencers to ensure a unified and effective approach.

Let us remember that every water drop counts, and so does every action we take.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Minister Theyab and his teams, and to all our partners for their commitment.

Together, we can make a difference. Let us work together to make "Water is Life" campaign a rallying cry for positive change in Iraq.

Thank you