Over sixty young innovators, including many talented young women, gathered at the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) for the Green Iraqi Innovators Conference and Competition. The event was co-organized by the UN Youth Advisory Council (UNYAC) and the Green Club at AUIB, in collaboration with the United Nations in Iraq and coordinated by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO).Representing the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, delivered remarks on behalf of Mr. Ghulam M. Isaczai, highlighting the creativity and determination of Iraq’s youth — and the importance of giving equal opportunities to young women and men to drive sustainable change. She noted that the path toward a greener Iraq cannot be separated from the country’s broader development challenges. Despite progress, many young Iraqis continue to face barriers to employment, with youth unemployment exceeding 31 percent, and young women particularly affected, at around 40 percent. Addressing these gaps, she said, is essential to unlocking Iraq’s full potential. “Iraq’s future lies not only in its rich history and natural resources, but in the boundless creativity and determination of its young people,” Ms. Jalal emphasized.The event featured a panel discussion on “The Future of Green Innovation in Iraq” with experts from the UN, academia, and the private sector, followed by a youth competition where six teams presented practical ideas on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and digital innovation. Judges from FAO, the Iraq Green Building Council, and the Center for Climate Change, Water Security and Environmental Sustainability selected the winning projects.Three projects stood out for their creativity, scientific depth, and potential impact:1. Fuel and Lead – by Yaqoob and Arwa
A research-based project assessing the health and environmental impact of lead in fuel through field sampling and community awareness campaigns, calling for stricter fuel regulations and public education to reduce pollution and protect children’s health.2. ABZU Project – by Ameer Saad
An innovative dual-purpose system that generates clean electricity while purifying water, designed to be low-cost, scalable, and environmentally sustainable.3. Climate Change Consultant Internship (CCCI) – by Qaysar AlwardiA six-month training programme creating Iraq’s first generation of climate consultants through scientific sessions, fieldwork, and partnerships with green companies.The atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism as participants showcased innovative solutions to some of Iraq’s most pressing environmental challenges, ranging from renewable energy and waste recycling to sustainable construction and green technology.Ms. Hind Jalal commended the enthusiasm and creativity of the young participants, noting how both young women and men are taking ownership of Iraq’s green future and finding smart, practical ways to protect the environment. She emphasized that Iraq’s youth are not waiting for solutions — they are creating them.Organized under the theme “Youth for a Sustainable Iraq”, the conference provided a platform for participants to share ideas, network with mentors, and explore opportunities to advance climate action and innovation in their communities.The Green Iraqi Innovators Conference is part of the UN’s ongoing efforts, coordinated by the RCO, to promote youth participation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development in Iraq.Congratulations to all participants and the winning team for their passion and innovative spirit in building a greener, more inclusive Iraq.

Iraq took part in the first-ever global exhibition “From Seeds to Foods”, held from 10 to 13 October 2025 in Rome’s Park of Porta Capena. The event brought together countries, producers, and innovators from around the world to showcase the journey of food from its origins to the table, celebrating agricultural diversity, local know-how, and sustainable agrifood systems that leave no one behind.Within the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Regional Pavilion, Iraq presented a selection of authentic national products, including dates showcased under FAO’s “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) initiative, reflecting the joint efforts of FAO and the Government of Iraq to strengthen agrifood value chains and promote sustainable livelihoods under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

The showcased items included the unique honey from the mountains of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, repeatedly awarded in international competitions for its purity and aroma; the renowned Anbar rice, prized for its fragrance and quality; and a variety of date-derived products such as syrup, sugar, coffee, and traditional sweets that represent Iraq’s iconic date palm heritage.  The display also highlighted eco-friendly handicrafts—fans, baskets, and decorative pieces woven from date-palm fronds—demonstrating how Iraq’s artisans transform every part of the palm into value-added products, linking local traditions to the global concept of zero-waste production. Visitors also discovered Men Assama, a unique sweet from the Kurdistan Region made with natural ingredients, emblematic of Iraq’s culinary creativity and cultural diversity. To complement the exhibition, FAO Iraq organized two dedicated tasting sessions in another pavilion (Section C), where visitors were invited to experience Iraq’s authentic flavours and learn about FAO-supported work with farmers, cooperatives, and small enterprises. The Iraqi products attracted an impressive audience, including FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, former FAO Director-General Mr. José Graziano da Silva, ambassadors, senior FAO managers, and country representatives. These encounters offered an opportunity to promote Iraq’s agrifood identity and highlight progress in revitalizing its value chains—from production to processing and marketing—toward better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.“The tasting sessions at the Iraq stall were an immersive invitation to discover the country’s unique agrifood culture and quality,” said Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq, who personally welcomed visitors and guided them through the tasting experience. “Each product tells a story of heritage, resilience, and innovation. We invite our partners and investors to continue this journey with us—from supporting farmers in the field to connecting Iraq’s products to regional and global markets.”A high-level delegation from the Government of Iraq, led by Minister Technical Deputy of Agriculture, Dr Mithaq Al Khafaji, Ministry of Water Resources, and Iraqi Embassy in Rome participated in the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, Held in FAO headquarters from 14 to 17 October 2025 under the World Food Forum umbrella. 
  
The delegation presented Iraq’s investment vision in agriculture, water management, and agrifood industries, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and private-sector engagement. In total, five investment cases were presented, covering the agri-food value chains of livestock, dairy and dates.
“Leading the Ministry delegation at the HiH Investment Forum was a milestone for Iraq’s agrifood sector,” said Dr. Mithaq Al-Khafaji, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. “We showcased our readiness for partnerships that can unlock new opportunities in value-chain development and contribute to a more resilient agricultural economy.”FAO Iraq’s participation across these global platforms underscores its important role in supporting national partners to enhance agrifood value chains, improve productivity, promote sustainable resource management, and strengthen market linkages for Iraqi products with export potential.  Through its programmes on OCOP, climate-smart agriculture, and equitable value-chain development, FAO Iraq continues to work hand in hand with government counterparts, producers, and the private sector to drive inclusive rural transformation — ensuring that progress in Iraq’s agrifood systems truly leaves no one behind.

UNIDO conducted A workforce training course titled “Computer Network, Cybersecurity, and Entrepreneurship Development” was conducted. The activity was part of the Austrian Government-funded initiative Digital Technology Skills to Enhance Employability in Iraq, which aims to strengthen digital and entrepreneurial skills among young people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host community members.By providing practical, future-ready training, the programme helps participants improve their employability and contribute to local innovation and economic growth.A total of 21 young people, including 12 men and 9 women aged between 19 and 28, took part in the 12-day course. Participants came from diverse educational backgrounds such as computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, business administration, and economics. This diversity reflected the multidisciplinary approach of the training and its inclusive nature.The technical sessions were led by four experienced trainers in computer networking and cybersecurity. They were supported by national experts from the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, specifically from the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Department, which plays an important role in supporting SME registration, capacity-building, and start-up assistance across Iraq. Their involvement ensured that the training content aligned with national strategies for digital transformation and entrepreneurship, while also providing participants with guidance on business development and regulatory procedures.For many participants, the training was more than a learning opportunity. It was a chance to connect academic knowledge with real-world application.Hanan Ihsan Jassim, a senior student in Digital Technology, joined the training to gain practical experience beyond her university coursework and volunteer projects.“This training helped me develop myself and be more responsible,” she said.Hanan was particularly interested in the combination of networking and cybersecurity, two areas she considers essential in today’s job market. She also appreciated the entrepreneurship component, which encouraged her to think more concretely about starting her own business.“I felt that the workshop made me connect my studies to real-life application and helped me think in a broader way,” she explained.The experience gave her greater confidence in her career ambitions.“I feel more confident in applying to companies because I now have practical technical skills. At the same time, I have the ambition to start my own project in the future.”She also spoke about the atmosphere of the training.“I felt positive energy from all the participants, and we were all excited to learn and benefit.”Another participant, Nouran Hamid Dakhal, also a student of Digital Technology, joined the training with clear technical goals. Through her academic research, she had already developed an interest in networking and cybersecurity, and she saw the workshop as a valuable opportunity to deepen her expertise.“I registered because it focused on networks and cybersecurity, fields that are still emerging in my country, with limited training opportunities and few specialized institutions,” she said.For Nouran, the course was especially useful because it combined technical instruction with practical application. It helped her better understand core concepts in cybersecurity and networking, while also introducing the importance of entrepreneurship and intellectual property in protecting innovative ideas.“If I continue to develop my skills in cybersecurity, I will have access to roles that were previously out of reach, such as vulnerability analysis, network security management, or work in a Security Operations Center,” she explained.Nouran also emphasized the value of collaboration.“The workshop helped me connect communication and information security in a clear and realistic way,” she said. “The trainers and participants were highly engaged, and the learning environment was very interactive.”This training forms part of a larger series of activities supported by the Austrian Government in Iraq under the Digital Technology Skills to Enhance Employability in Iraq initiative. The programme promotes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and inclusive employment opportunities.By equipping young people, especially those from vulnerable communities, with practical skills, the initiative supports national recovery, business development, and social cohesion. Through efforts like this, the Austrian Government and its partners contribute to long-term community resilience, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth across Iraq. 

Your Excellency, Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities, Mr. Bangeen RekaniChargé d'affaires of the European Union Mission in Iraq, Mr. Adam JanssenRegional Director for Arab States of UN-Habitat, Ms. Rania Hedeya,Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my pleasure to join you today for the launch of Iraq’s National Housing Policy 2025–2030. This event marks a defining milestone in Iraq’s national development journey, as envisioned in Iraq’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan. It also reaffirms Iraq’s strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 11 — building sustainable cities and communities. This policy is not merely about constructing houses; it is about ensuring that every Iraqi family — whether living in cities, rural areas, or communities recovering from conflict — has access to safe, affordable, and resilient housing. According to UN-Habitat, Iraq currently faces a housing deficit of 2.5 to 3.5 million units — a gap that must be bridged over the medium term to keep pace with population growth and rapid urbanization. The implementation of this policy represents a crucial step toward closing that gap and addressing the needs of Iraq’s growing population, which continues to increase at around 2.5 percent annually. In recent years, Iraq has faced growing challenges stemming from fire incidents, structural vulnerabilities, and the increasing impacts of extreme heat. This policy provides a comprehensive response — introducing national building codes and standards that enhance fire safety, structural integrity, and climate resilience across the housing sector. I would like to particularly underscore the inclusive character of this policy. It seeks to address the needs of women, youth, displaced persons, and marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. It acknowledges that the housing challenge is not merely about numbers — it is about equity, access, and social justice. This policy is also firmly anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), recognizing housing as a cross-cutting enabler of poverty reduction, resilience-building, and sustainable economic growth. Here, I wish to commend UN-Habitat for its technical leadership in the development of this policy, in close partnership with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Public Municipalities. Given the policy’s cross-sectoral relevance — spanning public health, education, employment, displacement, and climate change — its effective implementation will require the engagement of the entire UN systemalongside national counterparts. Successful implementation will also depend on strong political will, adequate financing, and close inter-ministerial coordination. In closing, I wish to once again congratulate the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Public Municipalities on the development of this timely and forward-looking policy. 

 The United Nations stands ready to support Iraq as it translates this vision into tangible progress — ensuring that every Iraqi has access to a safe, resilient, and dignified home. Thank you.