UN-Habitat, the European Union, and Basra Authorities Celebrate the Opening of Al Ghadeer Park in Basra City

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Mr Haider Adnan Hussein, on behalf of the Shatt Al-Arab District; Mr Louay Mohammed Jassim, principal of Al Shaheed Ali Al Mansouri Primary School; and Mr Juan Valle Robles, UN-Habitat Iraq Project Manager. The programme included a performance by students from Jurf Al Melah, specially prepared for the occasion, reflecting their appreciation for the newly inaugurated park, and the distribution of certificates of honour to individuals and organisations whose efforts were instrumental in its construction, completion, and future management.

During his speech, Mr Haider Adnan Hussein emphasised the park’s importance:

"The people of Shatt Al-Arab District deserve a space where they can gather, enjoy quality time, and build strong connections. This park reflects their aspirations for a better community. Through our close collaboration with UN-Habitat and the European Union, we turned their wishes into reality. I am confident that everyone, including Shatt Al-Arab District management, will take good care of this park and treat it as an extension of their own home."

About Al Ghadeer Park

The agenda also included a symbolic ribbon-cutting, a tree-planting activity, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and a guided tour through the park’s facilities. Spanning 12,000 square metres, the park features a football pitch, gym area, children’s playground, family gazebos, seating areas, solar-powered lighting, and 1,700 newly planted trees—all tailored to Basra's challenging climate.

The park’s development involved extensive community consultations, ensuring it meets the needs of both informal and formal settlers. It also provided unemployed youth with vocational training and on-the-job learning, equipping them with skills, securing job opportunities, and allowing them to directly contribute to improving their community.

In his opening remarks, Mr Juan Valle Robles highlighted the park’s broader significance:

"UN-Habitat is deeply committed, under its mandate, to upgrading Basra’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods through sustainable urban development and planning. Our efforts focus on creating more public and green spaces, enhancing essential urban services, and uplifting the quality of life for all residents. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated partnership of the Basra Governorate, the Directorates, and Shatt Al-Arab District."

Sustainability was prioritised with the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, such as solar lighting poles and drip irrigation systems, addressing the region’s endemic water scarcity and environmental challenges.

A Shared Vision for the Future

According to Mr Louay Mohammed Jassim, principal of Al Shaheed Ali Al Mansouri Primary School, this is the first time the community of Jurf Al Melah will have access to a green public space that can be integrated into their daily lives:

"We are about to witness a tremendous improvement in the community’s quality of life. Our school is committed to making the best use of the park as an extension of our school. It will provide a space for physical enrichment activities, environmentally friendly practices, mental health initiatives, and teaching the children to care for shared spaces. They will set an example and inspire their families."

Collaborating with partners, UN-Habitat demonstrates how innovative, community-led approaches and scalable catalytic pilots can transform public spaces, strengthen communities, and shift mindsets.

Public spaces like Al Ghadeer Park optimise urban development by creating the conditions for safer and more cohesive communities, reducing spatial inequalities, stimulating local economies, reintegrating nature into urban settings, and ultimately leaving no one and no place behind.

MORE INFORMATION

Juan Valles Robles | Project Manager 

email: juan.vallerobles@un.org   

Ana Paes | Communication Officer

email: ana.paes@un.org