Desertification, water scarcity, salinization, and land degradation have long threatened rural communities in southern Iraq. These interlinked challenges—worsened by climate change and unsustainable practices—have led to declining soil fertility, reduced crop yields, and increasing vulnerability to drought.However, a new hope is taking root in the governorates of Thi-Qar and Al-Muthanna. With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with Iraq’s Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, and Agriculture, and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), farmers are adopting Conservation Agriculture to combat land degradation, protect natural resources, and build a more resilient farming future.As we mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17), this initiative is a powerful example of how sustainable land management can Restore the Land and Unlock opportunities to  preserve  ecosystems and improve livelihoods.  Restoring Degraded Land in a Time of DroughtThis initiative is part of the project titled "Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Improved Livelihoods in Degraded Areas of Iraq", designed to help farmers restore crop productivity on degraded lands while conserving water and improving their resilience to drought.To highlight the economic and ecological advantages of Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices, FAO and national partners established 41 Farmer Field School (FFS) demonstration plots across Thi-Qar and Al-Muthanna. These plots serve as validation trials to compare conventional traditional farming methods with CA practices for key crops such as wheat, barley, mung beans, faba bean, sorghum, millet and alfalfa, providing hands-on training to 1,600 farmers.

Practices included:Minimum tillage to reduce soil disturbanceCrop rotation or intercropping to improve soil fertilitySoil cover crop, organic mulching using surface crop residue management to retain moisture and prevent erosion   Farmers Reaping the BenefitsDespite initial hesitation, farmers quickly recognized the benefits. Improved soil structure and moisture retention led to healthier crops, higher yields, lower costs and higher economic returns—transforming their approach to farming.   Key Benefits of Conservation AgricultureIncreased Crop Yields
 “I’ve seen my crop yields increase by around 25% since I started using conservation agriculture,” says Farmer Hashim Koti. “Before, I only earned 60-70K IQD every 2-3 months, but now I make 100-150K IQD per month. I’m using these techniques of CA on all my crops now—there’s no going back.” Saving Water, Building Resilience
 “Conventional farming required 7 irrigation cycles for my barley and berseem crops,” explains Farmer Sadiq Mazher. “But with Conservation Agriculture, I only need 5 cycles—that’s almost 30% water savings. This also makes soil better, improve environment and  my crops are doing better than ever.” Reducing Costs and inputs
 “I’ve saved 20% on farming costs in the first year alone,” shares Farmer Issa Ramadhan. “Traditional tillage is expensive with all the ploughing, fertilizers, and water required. With Conservation Agriculture practices, I’ve reduced these costs significantly, and the results speak for themselves. I’ve been able to reinvest that money into improving my farm.” Scaling Up Sustainable SolutionsThrough continuous Farmer Field School training, demonstration plots, and peer exchange, the project has inspired a growing number of farmers in southern Iraq to shift toward sustainable farming practices.As the initiative expands, the goal is not only to improve crop productivity but also to restore degraded land, reduce erosion, and reverse desertification. Sowing the Seeds of Land RestorationThe success of this initiative shows that change is possible—even under challenging  environments. By improving soil health, reducing pressure on water resources, and increasing resilience to climate extremes, Conservation Agriculture is restoring ecosystems and helping communities thrive.On this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the story of these farmers reminds us that investing in land restoration is investing in people, resilience, and a more secure food future.With continued support from FAO, GEF, and Iraq’s authorities, local farmers are becoming champions of sustainability—reshaping the future of agriculture across Iraq’s most fragile landscapes.This initiative contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).  

Madame President,Distinguished representatives of Council members,Allow me to begin by expressing my joy to seeing (a dear friend and colleague) preside over the work of the Council. Let me express my profound appreciation to members of this esteemed Council for their attention, support, and guidance. I am so delighted to seeing the distinguished representatives of Iraq and Kuwait participate in today’s session. A word of gratitude must be given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his continued engagement in the Middle East, including his recent visit to Baghdad for the Arab Summit.Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,Between my last report, six months ago, and now so many things have happened in Iraq which I will not list here, however, with your permission, I would like to mention the most notable developments at the forefront of which is Iraq’s drive towards more stability, more prosperity, and closer regional integration. My profound appreciation goes to the Government of Iraq for the humanitarian aid it has provided to the people of Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Not to mention, its support to the new peace initiative between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which, if implemented in good faith, will bring peace, security, and stability to the region at large. Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,Iraq is well on its way to another national parliamentary election, set for 11thof November this year. Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), with UNAMI’s technical support, are making notable progress in preparing for this election. Voter registration is set to conclude in the coming days and nearly three-quarters of total voters have completed biometric registration so far.Yes, there are challenges, including logistical concerns. But IHEC is committed to doing its best towards a free, fair and transparent election, with the participation of all Iraqis without fear and intimidation. UNAMI will spare no effort in providing the most professional technical support towards this end, including efforts to promote the widest participation of women, youth and minorities.Meanwhile, six months after the successful parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq last October, the formation of a regional government is still pending. Needless to say, a spirit of compromise, focusing on shared objectives rather than partisan divisions, is the key to overcome this protracted impasse. There is no doubt in my mind that the concerned parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be able to form a competent government that will serve the interests of the people of Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Iraq at large.In here, I would further like to emphasize that the Baghdad-Erbil relationship is a partnership that necessitates ongoing dialogue and collaboration, grounded in the Constitution of Iraq, to effectively address and resolve any outstanding issues between the two sides.Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,More than 800 Iraqis returned ten days ago from al-Hol camp in northeast Syria to Al Amal center in Iraq, showing the Government of Iraq's commitment to accelerating the return process of its citizens with the support of the United Nations. It is nevertheless essential that adequate resources are invested in supporting a dignified reintegration of returning families, and in ensuring a fair judicial process for the detainees who are being repatriated. And, while Iraq continues to make important strides in addressing returns from northeast Syria, the situation of Iraq’s internally displaced persons continues to demand urgent attention.Hundreds of thousands of individuals remain displaced in Iraq, including 100,000 primarily Yazidis from Sinjar who live in IDP camps and informal settlements throughout Iraq under precarious conditions. Yes, the Government of Iraq's recent recognition of Yazidis land rights, with over 1,300 ownership letters and nearly 100 title deeds distributed this year, was a significant milestone. The Iraqi government has also been proactive in offering compensation to Yazidi survivors and other minorities. However, creating sustainable conditions for the returns require more coherent political, administrative and security measures, in addition to significant investment in job creation and local services. The Government of Iraq needs to accelerate the adoption of a comprehensive national plan for durable solutions. The return process cannot just be physical relocation, it needs to be a meaningful process that rebuilds lives, livelihoods, and hope for the future.I say it loudly that the Yazidi’s in Iraq have suffered immensely beyond description at the hands of ISIS, and we in the United Nations, through you and your support, call on those concerned in Iraq and the (neighboring countries) to take all necessary measure to protect this community and restore their dignity, respect, appreciation and rightful humanitarian standing. Especially given that, to this day, a number of Yazidi men and women remain in a state of near-forced captivity after Da’esh ravaged their lives, Iraq, and the region as a whole. We believe it is essential to end this injustice against the indigenous Iraqi Yazidi people and to ensure their return to their homes and areas with dignity and honor.Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,Commitment to human rights is at the heart of Iraq’s stability and development. In January, Iraq was reviewed by the Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review, a process designed to support and expand the promotion and protection of human rights in every country. A total of 263 recommendations are currently being considered by Iraq for adoption at the next session of the Human Rights Council. Progress is also being made on a draft law on minority rights and towards the adoption of a national strategy to counter hate speech. The United Nations is ready to continue supporting these and other human rights initiatives and engage with the Government of Iraq – our partner and the partner to the United Nations - in exploring options for continuing such support after UNAMI’s departure.Among the files related to human rights that must be addressed immediately and without delay is the file of the missing individuals and those imprisoned without fair, transparent, and legal trials. However, our confidence in the Iraqi judiciary is very strong, and we hope that all these matters will be addressed according to Iraqi laws and regulations, in a way that restores hope to thousands of families who have long awaited news of the fate of their loved ones. We believe that the Iraq of the future must be reconciled with itself and its neighbors, and Iraq is capable of that, based on equality and justice for all. I mean here justice and equality for all Iraqi’s regardless of their affiliation. This is the Iraq that we aspire to see, and we have total confidence in the ability of Iraq and Iraqis to achieve that.Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,Turning to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, I welcome the increase in field missions and the use of advanced technology to identify potential burial sites. However, there is a need to redouble these efforts, strengthen cooperation and coordination, including in the search for witnesses, towards finding the remains of the 300 Kuwaiti missing persons and provide long-overdue answers to their families. I also reiterate the importance to expedite the search to locate and return missing property, including the national archives of Kuwait, especially after the recent welcome decision to reactivate the Iraq-Kuwait joint committee on missing Kuwaiti property.On other outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait, the resumption of meetings of the Iraq-Kuwait joint technical and legal committees concerned with the delimitation of the maritime border beyond marker 162 is a welcome development. Continued efforts to rebuild trust and confidence between the two brotherly countries are essential for forging a more stable and cooperative future.We highly appreciate the positions of the Iraqi President and the Iraqi Prime Minister regarding the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court regarding the so called "Khor Abdulla" agreement. We can only emphasize the importance of making decisions that contribute to maintaining security and stability, respecting the principles of the United Nations Charter, fostering good neighbourly relations, and refraining from interference in internal affairs. We also take this opportunity to reiterate UNAMI’S offer to extend its good offices in this regard should both sides request it.  In this context, allow me to point a fact that the State of Kuwait was a victim of invasion… to turn the page on the past, there must be serious and joint efforts to restore confidence. This needs practical steps and promises translated into reality, away from politicization, with focus on what unites the two countries and the brotherly people, in a way that strengthens partnership and positive relations, and promotes unity over division.Madame President,Distinguished Representatives,With just over six months remaining before UNAMI’s mandate ends, I would like to assure members of the Council that the Mission continues to pursue a structured transition according to schedule and in close cooperation with the Government of Iraq, whom I would like to warmly thank for their help, assistance and coordination. I would also like to report to the esteemed Council that we have closed UNAMI’s offices in Mosul and Kirkuk and we are gradually reducing our staffing levels, seeking to balance the Mission drawdown with our continuing mandated tasks, and this, as you are aware, in a context of serious financial constraints impacting the United Nations as a whole.I wish to reiterate my confidence in the resilience of the Iraqi people and the determination of their leaders. Iraq is a nation of profound history, strength, potential, and pride. By working together, Iraqis can continue to make meaningful strides towards further stability, prosperity and human rights for all.I conclude my remarks by reiterating my complete confidence in Iraq and Iraqi people and the ability of this ancient nation, which is among the founders of the United Nations, to reclaim its civilization status. We in the United Nations are committed to support and assist Iraq and the Iraqi people to the best of our ability, and we will spare no effort in achieving that, based on our belief in this country, its capabilities and the potential of its people.Thank you.

In an effort to address youth unemployment in Iraq, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched the Austrian Government-funded ‘Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq’ project, targeting young refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. In April 2025, 12-day training in Mosul, Nineveh, engaged 20 participants in hands-on coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship skills.The curriculum gradually introduced participants to increasingly complex topics, balancing theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. Participants learned Arduino, a widely used platform for electronics projects known for its simplicity and versatility. They also learned C/C++, programming languages commonly used in software development. The first nine sessions covered the fundamentals of coding and programming and participants explored the basics of motors, controlling robot motion, using output modules, and LCD displays. Each technical session emphasized experimentation, fostering confidence in programming logic, electronics handling, and basic mechatronic applications.Complementing the technical track, the final three days focused on the development of business skills. These sessions aimed to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and provide participants with foundational tools to assess, plan, and manage small business ventures. The goal was to help participants understand the role of entrepreneurs in economic development and encourage them to think critically about starting and sustaining their own businesses while linking their technical skills to real-world economic opportunities. The sessions also dedicated time to the fundamentals of financial record-keeping, budgeting, and profit projection.Thana Mashkur, legal advisor at the Industrial Development and Regulatory Directorate of the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, applauded the programme, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship for youth who face significant challenges in starting their own businesses. “Digital technology is increasingly indispensable for aspiring entrepreneurs to foster innovation, growth, and sustainability,” Thana noted. Participants demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the training. Zahra Luay, a recent graduate of the Mosul University’s College of Sciences and a freelance tutor, participated in the training with the goal of securing full-time employment. While she had learned coding theory at university and enjoyed teaching it to her students, she previously struggled to link the principles of coding with practical applications. After completing the training, she expressed confidence in her ability to teach hands-on projects and develop technology-based solutions.Reflecting on her experience, Zahra said, “The most engaging part of the training was the project where we installed sensors for humidity, heat, sound, and smoke. I can now assemble them on my own without any assistance.”Zahra believes that unemployed youth should look for novel opportunities in digital technologies. Inspired by the entrepreneurship component of the programme, she is now considering setting up a tutoring office and transforming her freelance work into a more sustainable business. "Entrepreneurship sessions enabled me to identify and address the needs of potential customers and myself, utilizing my technology proficiency and the economic opportunities in the growing digital landscape," she added.Iraq is currently grappling with significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, widespread poverty, and limited job opportunities. The country also faces ongoing insecurity and political instability, which further complicates the economic landscape.Youth under 24 account for 57.9% of Iraq’s population. Unemployment is a major concern for this demographic, particularly young women. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the 2024 projected youth unemployment rates are 27.8% for males and 63.3% for females.

Digital technologies hold immense potential for driving job creation and fostering economic inclusion. They can help reduce the gender gap by offering favorable working conditions, such as flexible hours and remote work. Many young Iraqis are increasingly interested in pursuing careers in information and communication technology (ICT), recognizing the opportunities it presents.Walid Raid, a student at the Mosul Technical Institute, also participated in the training. He had no prior background in coding and said that the training opened up new horizons for him. Drawing on what he learned, Walid designed and developed a project to help deaf and hard of hearing people, using sound sensors, artificial intelligence, and an LCD. “I enjoyed the training hours especially because they offered a practical link with theories. It has changed my vision of the possibilities of technology.” Walid said.Abdulkareem Ahmed, the training’s C/C++ programming instructor, praised the participants’ progress: “We could see the confidence of participants. Towards the end of the training, there was much better communication and interaction between them. Participants expressed their empowerment and initiatives to provide more sustainable sources of income.”By providing young people with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Austria–UNIDO project, ‘Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq,’ has proven to be a catalyst for fostering a more inclusive and stable society, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being and prosperity of Iraq.

Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,I am honored to participate in the opening of the second edition of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Conference, which constitutes a significant milestone in the path of Iraq towards the transition to the state of the rule of law and institutions - and the positive interaction in efforts to combat money laundering, dry up the sources of financing terrorism, and strengthen compliance systems for regulatory and governance frameworks in the financial and banking sector.I would like to start by referring to the title chosen for this edition “Challenges Facing Arab Banks in Complying with International Laws and Legislations, and the Means to Fulfil Correspondent Banks Requirements”. It reflects the growing awareness among financial and banking institutions that restoring trust and attracting international partnerships require commitment to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility.Ladies and Gentlemen,The United Nations believes that good governance, transparency and compliance with international regulatory frameworks are not only pillars for the prevention of money laundering and financing terrorism, but also tools to enhance trust building measures between states and institutions, especially in the financial sector, which is the lifeline for economic growth.In this context, the United Nations appreciates the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Association of Iraqi Private Banks in leading this positive movement. It calls for strengthening partnerships with the international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, The Financial Action Task Force (FATF and MENA FATF), The Basel Committee and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), etc. in order to build national capabilities that contribute to raising standards to keep pace with global requirements and entitlements.Such partnerships, accompanied by building on the successful experiences in several Arab states (and non-Arab states) that were able to gain the trust of international institutions and international banks by adopting profound reforms, would ensure the integration of Iraq into the global banking system, serving its national interests towards sustainable economic development.Distinguished participants,Today's conference is a considered a platform to exchange experiences and review the applications of financial technology and artificial intelligence as practical tools to enhance regulatory compliance systems and combat money laundering and financing terrorism. In light of the accelerated digital transformation, technology is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity. It has the potential, if used properly, to detect suspicious patterns, enhance the accuracy of regulatory procedures, and accelerate the response to financial risks. However, this technological development must be accompanied by a strong legislative system. While digitization offers unprecedented possibilities, legislative compliance remains the main guarantor of the sustainability and legitimacy of this transformation.Iraq’s full recovery and its return to playing a positive role has become a regional and international necessity. The time has come to shake off all the dust of the past from this gem — the Eastern pearl — and the people and leadership of Iraq are capable of doing so.Thank you