Iraq Launches Background Documents for its Updated Nationally Determined Contribution to Advance Climate Action

The Government of Iraq, in partnership with the United Nations and development partners, today launched a set of pivotal documents that will serve as the foundation for Iraq’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The launch took place at the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, in the presence of senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Planning, the diplomatic community, and UN agencies. This milestone underscores Iraq’s growing commitment to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable development.

Prepared with the technical assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the support of development partners, the newly released documents include the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Country Programme, the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), the Climate Investment Plan (CIP), and the Energy Transition Framework Study. They reflect a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, while outlining the concrete steps Iraq must take to achieve its long-term climate goals.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Hallo Mustafa Al Askari, Minister of Environment, stated: “I am proud to serve in a government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, that has placed the environment at the heart of its agenda, moving from planning to implementation through integrated strategies to address climate change. Despite the challenges of water scarcity, salinity, desertification, and pollution, especially in vulnerable southern areas, Iraq has made significant progress through effective partnerships with the international community, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society, and cooperation with key ministries. Our updated national contributions reflect a collective determination to build a more resilient, low-emission, and sustainable Iraq.”

The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and stakeholders in shaping Iraq’s climate trajectory. Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator for Iraq, emphasized that the document presented today will guide Iraq's climate strategy for years to come. "Today’s launch represents the strong partnership between Iraq, the United Nations, and our development partners," he noted, stressing the key role of the international community in supporting Iraq's climate change journey. "The updated NDC is not just a national document, it is a global commitment, aligning Iraq’s climate actions with international climate goals, and it will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable, inclusive future for the country."

The event also highlighted the key role that international support has played in shaping Iraq’s climate strategy. UNDP led the coordination of the NDC updating process on behalf of the UN Country Team, working closely with other UN agencies including UNICEF, FAO, WFP, ITC, ILO, IOM, UNESCO, and UNFPA. Development partners, such as GIZ and the World Bank, contributed valuable technical expertise, while the UK Government, through UNDP’s Climate Promise facility, provided essential financial support.