Remarks by DSRSG/RC/HC Ghulam Isaczai at the 2nd Arab Forum on Transparency and Good Governance

His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani,

Honorable Ministers,

Head of the Federal Commission of Integrity Judge Haidar Hanoun

Director of the Arab Administrative Development Organization, Dr. Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani

H.E Thomas Seiler, EU Ambassador

Distinguished guests,

Al-Salamu Alikum and Good morning.

On behalf of the United Nations in Iraq, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Second Arab Forum on Enhancing Transparency and Good Governance. We are honored to have you here in Baghdad, following the success of the first edition of the Forum in Cairo. Your presence underscores our collective resolve to combat corruption, promote transparency, and enhance accountability in our region.

I extend my thanks to the Arab Administrative Development Organization and Transparency International for selecting Iraq as this year’s host. I also appreciate the efforts of the Commission of Integrity in Iraq, along with UNDP and the European Union, for co-organizing this crucial event.

This Forum represents a significant milestone in Iraq’s journey toward stability and sustainable development. Under H.E. the Prime Minister and his government, Iraq has made the fight against corruption along with economic diversification and service delivery a top policy priority.

As the UN Secretary General aptly said, “Corruption is the ultimate betrayal of public trust”.  It is essential that we build this trust and ensure equal rights and services for everyone.

This year's theme, “Integrity: An Essential Ingredient in the Era of Complexity and Opportunities,” is timely. Our region faces unprecedented challenges—wars, conflicts, and violence create a cycle of corruption that is hard to break.

The 2023 Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) regional analysis highlights that corruption continues to be a significant barrier to achieving a just and prosperous future across the Arab region.

Additionally, the UNDP Trends Report for 2023 also highlights that our region's vulnerability to conflicts, disasters, and the digital divide exacerbates inequalities and complicates the fight against corruption.

Without addressing corruption, sustainable development is unattainable. I am proud of the partnership between the UN and the Iraqi government in this fight. Through UNDP and UNODC’s initiatives, we have made significant progress in judicial reforms, anti-money laundering efforts, and empowering civil society and media to expose corruption.

UNDP has supported the drafting of the Access to Information Law endorsed by the Council of Ministers. The draft law is currently with the parliament for consideration. When enacted, the law will promote citizens` right to access information. This will foster public transparency and have an impact on Iraq`s global positioning in this matter.

This Forum is not only a celebration of Iraq’s achievements but also an essential opportunity for regional dialogue. We must unite to develop innovative solutions that foster peace, prosperity, and democratic gains while improving public services and climate resilience.

We need the diverse expertise and perspectives of governments, the private sector, civil society, women’s groups, youth, media, and academia to move forward effectively.

Over the next three days, let us exchange ideas, learn from our successes, and strengthen our commitment to overcoming challenges. Let’s return to our communities as ambassadors of change, ready to make a difference.

Thank you.