Visit of Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support to Iraq, 18–21 April 2025

Baghdad, 21 April 2025 - The Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Mr. Atul Khare, visited Iraq from 18 to 21 April 2025 in the context of the upcoming drawdown and transition of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), followed by a period of in-situ liquidation as mandated by Security Council Resolution 2732 (2024), to determine the nature and extent of Headquarters support to these processes.

During his visit, USG Khare, accompanied by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, was received by His Excellency, Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq. USG Khare also held separate meetings with His Excellency, Mr. Abdul Amir al-Shammari, Minister of Interior; His Excellency, Mr. Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, Minister of Defence; and His Excellency, Mr. Mohammad Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations who is tasked with working with UNAMI on the Mission transition and liquidation plan. 

Discussions with senior Government officials emphasized the shared commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly drawdown of UNAMI by the end of December 2025, and to completing all in-situ liquidation activities by the end of September 2026.

USG Khare expressed his appreciation to the Iraqi authorities for their steadfast support throughout the UNAMI presence in the country, and noted the positive developments towards lasting peace and stability. He assured the Iraqi authorities of the United Nations’ commitment to the safe removal of all hazardous waste prior to the handover of facilities and locations. He underscored that the continued cooperation and engagement of the Iraqi leadership will be critical to ensure the successful conclusion of this transition.

The Under-Secretary-General also toured the UN Integrated Compound in Baghdad where UN personnel reside and work, and held a series of internal meetings, including with representatives of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes operating in Iraq, as well as a townhall for UNAMI personnel.

The visit also served as an opportunity to showcase the Mission’s significant progress in environmental management. USG Khare commended UNAMI for enhancing its environmental performance and reviewed key initiatives, including a visit to the Dijlah Eco Park where he planted a tree, the Waste Management Yard, and the water and energy management systems. He particularly noted the successful installation of modular Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) employing advanced technology, and solar energy panels which generate up to four Giga watt hours annually. Such projects would certainly leave a positive environmental legacy in the country.

Photo album:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/uniraq/albums/72177720325294652