Speech by Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, DSRSG/RC/HC Inauguration Ceremony - Japan Village Project in Mosul

Excellency, Mr. Abdul Qadir Al-Dakhil, the Governor of Ninewa 

Excellency, Mr. Akira Endo, the Ambassador of Japan,

Excellency, Dr. Zidan Khalaf, the Prime Minister’s Advisor, 
Mr. Kareem Al-Noori, Deputy Minister of Migration and Displacement

Distinguished guests, community members, and partners,

It is an honor to stand before you today at Japan Village in Mosul, a city that has endured immense hardship, yet continues to rise with resilience, dignity, and hope. 
Over two years ago, I had the privilege of attending the inauguration of the Bab Sinjar Housing Complex with UN-Habitat, and I am pleased to witness yet another important milestone today.

Today’s inauguration of the Japan Village Project is not only about providing new homes, but about advancing durable solutions for families who have long awaited the chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. It marks a concrete step toward restoring hope and creating opportunities for internally displaced persons and returnees, giving them the stability they need to rebuild, recover, and plan for a better future.

Here in Mosul, a city that bore the brunt of conflict, the path to recovery has been long and complex. Yet, the courage of its people, the leadership of local authorities, and the support of international partners have made remarkable progress possible. The Japan Village Project is a proof of what can be achieved when we work together—with the voices of returnees, host communities, and local leaders at the center of the process.

Durable solutions for IDPs are not only about returning displaced people to their places of origin. They are about creating sustainable living conditions that guarantee access to livelihoods, education, healthcare, and justice — so that communities can recover, reconcile, and rebuild.

On behalf of the United Nations in Iraq, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Iraq; the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works; the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, the Ninewa Governorate, and the Municipality of Mosul.

I also would like to extend our profound appreciation to the Government of Japan for its unwavering support and generous contributions to Iraq’s recovery and stabilization efforts.

Together, we are not just rebuilding homes—we are rebuilding hope.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us continue to work hand in hand to address the root causes of displacement, to promote reconciliation, and to invest in inclusive and sustainable development for all Iraqis.

And to the families who will soon call the Japan Village home: may this be a place of peace, opportunity, and new beginnings.

To conclude, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to UN-Habitat, under the leadership of my colleague, Mr. Muslim Kazimi, for your dedicated work and tireless efforts. Your consistent ability to deliver and prove your capacities time and again is truly commendable.

Thank you.