Today we are roughly one year on from the formation of Iraq’s current Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Now, since its inception, several important steps and promising initiatives have emerged. To name but a few: Long-awaited reforms in the banking and finance sectors are now underway. One example is the launch of an electronic platform for foreign currency sales, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to both transparency and efficiency. A new Iraq Fund for Development has been established. This, coupled with the change ushered in by the recently adopted federal budget, has the potential to spur private sector investment. The passing of a new law on social security means that, for the first time, allIraqi workers can benefit from public entitlements, such as health insurance, as well as maternity and unemployment benefits. And, as most of you will know, a trailblazing initiative for regional infrastructure, known as the Development Road Project, was launched some months ago. Meanwhile, Iraq is taking further steps towards leveraging its own natural resources more effectively and responsibly, thereby aiming to reduce energy waste and shore up its energy independence. Also, and importantly, to address the concerning issue of rapid drug proliferation, the Government has developed a National Strategy for the Prevention of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, among other measures. Now, Mr. President, I already briefly mentioned the recently adopted federal budget. It charts an ambitious course for the country until the end of 2025 and includes allocations with the potential to address critical needs, such as infrastructure development and reconstruction. Notably, this budget represents the highest proportionate allocation to the delivery of social services yet – which (hopefully) will expand access to healthcare, education and a number of other essential public services. To cut a long story short: with last year’s gains in political stability and an ambitious federal budget in hand, Iraq is well positioned to seize the many opportunities in front of it. That said, and as we all know, the country’s complex and (at times) fast-evolving environment also means that this is not an easy feat, let alone a given. Corruption is still pervasive. And combatting it, as the Prime Minister recently said, is something the Government “has been working on, is still working on and will continue to work on”. He rightly added: “Without fighting corruption, we will not be able to implement our economic vision and development programs”. And, true, the Government has made admirable commitments. From efforts to, for instance, increase transparency around custom revenue collection to pursuing the extradition of individuals implicated in the theft of federal resources. And a new campaign, called “Where did you get this?”, has seen the Federal Integrity Commission audit the financial records of electoral candidates. At the same time, it is clear that the intricate web of graft and vested interests, built up in Iraq over decades, will not be dismantled overnight. Especially when those who stand to lose can draw from myriad financial, political and security resources – creating the community of collusion I have referred to in previous briefings. Also, and as spelled out numerous times, Iraq’s economic structure is in a precarious place, heavily reliant on oil and a public sector so big that it is simply unsustainable. And although steps taken so far surely signal positive momentum, further structural reforms are going to be critical. Otherwise, a thriving private sector with high levels of employment will remain elusive. Now, all of this must be understood alongside Iraq’s rapidly growing population – with predictions that it could double over the next three to four decades. Why am I saying this? Because with more Iraqis coming of age without corresponding job opportunities or advances in quality of life, it is not difficult to see where this trend may go: the embers of discontent could flare up easily – again and again. Climate change and water scarcity are, of course, other obvious threat multipliers. This past summer, again, temperatures in Iraq exceeded 50 degrees Celsius. And last June, IOM recorded almost 14,000 families as internally displaced because of drought conditions across 10 of Iraq’s governorates. Needless to say: if left unaddressed, this is only the beginning of a rather nightmarish situation. Hence, it is for good reasons that the Government has made the issue of water security one of its top priorities. Another issue that should not be underestimated: feelings of exclusion, marginalization, and stigmatisation. Now, why does this matter for stability in Iraq? Because if these sentiments are left to simmer, among other spillover effects, people will (again) become vulnerable to extremist propaganda. I am, of course, aware of the ongoing efforts by the Government to end displacement. But further progress on enabling people to return to their areas of origin, including Jurf al-Sakhr and Sinjar, remains critical. Equally important is much-needed momentum to enact legislation on enforced disappearances, as well as the amendment to the Amnesty Law. A further topic that cannot be overlooked is the influence of non-state armed actors in certain areas, which not only undermines confidence in the state but also creates an environment of fear and anger. Mr. President. The Government continues to proactively engage with countries throughout the region on issues related to energy, water, economic cooperation and security. Important, as regional partnerships and integration are obvious catalysts for stability in Iraq - and beyond. Now, within this context, I wish to highlight the implementation of the Iraq-Iran security agreement. Great efforts have been made by Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, to secure its borders. And further work to sustain these achievements is ongoing. All sides consider long-term security as essential, and we can only emphasize Iraq’s genuine commitment to the agreement. Now, as I said on many occasions, this is the way to go about addressing security concerns: through dialogue, joint committees and the actual implementation of agreements – all, of course, in accordance with international law. With this in mind, I wish to express hope that Iraq and Türkiye will also embark on a sustainable way forward. Türkiye’s security concerns are well understood. And, on that note, Mr. President, I wish to echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Ankara. In saying this, constant cross-border attacks are a risky way to advance interests - and one with numerous adverse effects. We therefore welcome ongoing efforts on the activation of bilateral committees between Iraq and Türkiye aimed at addressing border security concerns. And, of course, Mr. President, I cannot talk about stability in the region without mentioning the unprecedented and horrendous developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which have already had a catastrophic human toll and could impact the entire region. Now, still focusing on the region, Mr. President, I would also like to flag a recent decision of Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court regarding the 2012 agreement between Iraq and Kuwait regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway. Taking into account the separation of powers, Iraq’s government has meanwhile made its commitment to the principles of international law, and its respect for bilateral agreements and UN resolutions, crystal clear. Legitimate concerns have been expressed by Kuwait and the GCC. Given the priority attached by the Iraqi Government to dialogue as a means to finding solutions, as well as its commitment to maintaining positive relations with its neighbours, I hope and expect that cooperation and good neighbourliness will prevail. Bearing in mind the risks of miscalculation and escalation, it is essential to resolve this matter expeditiously. Also important is the continuation of talks to demarcate the rest of the maritime border. Mr. President, with regards to Baghdad-Erbil relations: to discuss the Kurdistan Region’s financial challenges, a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, headed by its Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, visited Baghdad on 14 September. Soon after, Iraq’s Council of Ministers agreed to provide financial relief in the form of ‘loans’ for the next three months. This enables the KRG to pay, for the time being, the salaries of its public servants. A positive development, and frankly speaking, it was overdue. That said, the agreement is temporary in nature and therefore not enough. Hence, more and urgent work lies ahead so as to avoid a new period of uncertainty for the Region’s public servants. Now, I said this in past years and will repeat it now: civil servant salaries should be shielded from political disagreements. Like any other Iraqi civil servant, those working in the Kurdistan Region have families to look after and obligations to fulfil. In August 2020, I highlighted in my briefing to the Council that the lack of specificity in Iraq’s 2005 Constitution continued to shape the debate between Baghdad and Erbil. With the situation persisting today, what does this mean? It means that 18 years have gone by without an agreement on the gradual enhancement of the federal system; 18 years without a sustainable framework for natural resource distribution or disputed territories; 18 years without laws delineating rights and obligations. Instead, we continue to witness constant ad hoc crisis management. So, what I am essentially saying is that, 18 years on from the Constitution’s adoption, it is imperative to move to comprehensive and solid solutions. As for the Sinjar Agreement, Mr. President, I regret to inform you that no progress has been made. Sadly, instead, we continue to witness different power competitions in which non-state armed actors have the upper hand. Recent events in Kirkuk, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, are also of concern. While the situation has calmed down for now, the precariousness of this context cannot be overlooked. As you know, in past years, UNAMI has facilitated dialogue sessions among the representatives of Kirkuk’s components. And we are still convinced that an agreement can be reached. But for that to happen, it is imperative that the needs of people are prioritized over political gain. Of course, the Provincial Council Elections on 18 December are of great importance as well. Especially because Kirkuk has not seen local elections since 2005.  Mr. President, something else. Previously you heard me say that the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections are long overdue. Initially scheduled for October 2022, they were postponed to November this year, and recently further delayed to the 25th of February next year. To state the obvious: we expect all parties to ensure that this new election date will not again fall victim to internal political strife. With the current administration in a caretaker capacity, the Region’s democratic process must prevail. There is so much at stake. On a different note, Mr. President. As any other Member State, Iraq has committed – through its Constitution and international human rights treaties – to protect the fundamental rights of all its citizens, without discrimination. This point bears repeating in light of recent debates on the use of universally accepted terms. Turning to the issue of Al-Hol returnees: last month, a further 173 households returned to Iraq. In other words, Iraq continues to serve as an example for other states with nationals in Al-Hol. Now, there is no denying it, challenges on the ground abound. The accessibility of core civil and identity documents, in particular their timely issuance, must be addressed as a matter of priority. And, as Iraq grapples with the vast needs of returnees and host communities, the criticality of continued international support cannot be overemphasized. Mr. President, zooming in on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property – including the national archives. The adoption of innovative DNA technology by the Government of Kuwait has led to the identification of one more missing person. I extend my deepest condolences to the family involved. I further welcome the long-anticipated handover by Iraq to Kuwait of 22 genetic profiles that were discovered in March 2022 in Najaf. The regular exchange of genetic data is much needed to shed light on the fate of those still missing. And of course, we continue to engage the Government of Iraq on the retrieval of missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. Swift and decisive action is now needed. Mr. President, in closing: I can only emphasize the importance of Iraq’s upcoming Provincial Council elections. For many reasons, including the stepping up of service delivery; they represent a critical imperative for all Iraqis. As a former politician I know how tempting it is to go all out in an election campaign, but things get ugly - and even risky - if campaigns turn into platforms whipping up rage or fear about others. Therefore, all actors - be they at the national or regional level – are therefore called upon to play their part in maintaining stability in the run up to the December elections. And this should include efforts to counter mis- and dis-information. With the Government now one full year into its tenure, driving forward the many good plans which Iraq has committed to remains a collective responsibility. Mr. President, a final word, as I cannot conclude without acknowledging the devastating fire in al-Hamdaniya last month, which claimed the lives of over 100 people. We again convey our sincere condolences. Thank you very much.

With UNAMI’s next mandate renewal around the corner, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect, just a bit, and more importantly: to look ahead. In the past months, numerous people and entities have analysed the events that shook Iraq 20 years ago, as well as the developments since. Few would deny that it has been a very rough road. A road that has seen not only the compounding of existing fragilities, inherited from the previous decades, but also the exposure of new weaknesses. And while many acknowledged that Iraq, throughout its history, has overcome some very dark times - they also argued that the drivers of instability in the country’s more recent past remained, for the most part, the same. Drivers such as corruption, weak governance, the presence of armed non-state actors, impunity, factional politics, poor service delivery, inequality, unemployment, and an overreliance on oil. Having said this, Iraq’s enormous potential was also widely highlighted, as was the view that the moment to act is now - thereby reaffirming that the confirmation of Iraq’s Government, last October, opened a crucial window of opportunity. So, the question is: where do things stand now? As I mentioned in my most recent briefing to the Council, last February, the Government has shown its resolve to tackle a number of the pressing issues I just mentioned. And that still holds true. It is focusing on its core priorities and trying to avoid distractions that could threaten to upend prevailing political stability. That said, of course, it is early days. And we do not have a crystal ball to predict the unknowns, which could include the rise of potential disrupters. As I keep on emphasizing what we do know is that any government in this position needs time. And that, in itself, is already a challenge. Amid low or no tolerance for a return to the status quo, which existed before October 2022, the harsh reality is that there is no time to lose. Hence, I can only emphasize the necessity for relentless commitment from a wide range of actors; the significance of placing the national interest over that of any individual or party; the critical role of independent state institutions, and the need for an active, empowered and protected civic space. Madam President, the Government Programme is leading the way - signed off on by all coalition parties united in the State Administration Alliance. Now, that does not mean that there are no disagreements or quarrels, as is the case in other countries governed by a coalition. To bridge differences and to follow up on implementation in priority areas, regular meetings between government and coalition members take place. It is quite simple: the balancing of multiple differing opinions and interests requires constant compromise. Now - does this mean that dynamics, trends, opinions and perceptions from outside the coalition are not relevant? Of course, they are very relevant, I would say. In other words, the healthy interplay of opposition and coalition must be allowed to function, including through public exchanges between decision-makers, political leaders, authority figures and broader civil society. Also, and given the delicate balance needed to succeed in tackling core priorities, it is important to take into account the potential wider impact of a new law, action, or proposal - whether initiated in Parliament, the Government or elsewhere. Will it consolidate or potentially conflict with key objectives? Will it bridge or widen divisions between groups and communities? Will it unite or rather estrange people? In other words, to break with the cycles of recurring crises, what must the priorities be? The fact is that Iraq has a full “to do” list. And, narrow or partisan actions will not help in checking it off. Madam President, the resources needed to turn certain Government goals into realities, such as adequate public service delivery, should be unlocked with the passage of a federal budget. This is yet to happen and, these days, all eyes are on Iraq’s Council of Representatives. Needless to say: agreement on a functioning budget, sooner rather than later, is critical. Including for the timely organization of the long-awaited Provincial Council Elections, now announced for no later than 20 December this year. Meanwhile, Iraq continues to rely on oil. And the public sector remains the biggest employer. Now, these phenomena are, of course, nothing new. But, as I have said so many times, neither can last indefinitely. Economic diversification and major structural reforms remain urgent. And yes, there is no denying it: this will prove to be challenging. For various reasons, including public expectations. After all, rather than developing an employment-generating private sector, successive governments opted for the easy way out. That is, the creation of public sector jobs to “hush” civil unrest. This has led to a wage bill no country could afford. In saying that, let me also (and once again) emphasize, that much-needed reforms will not take root if choked by the weeds of patronage and graft. Also, as I already mentioned, independent state institutions are critical. No training, capacity building or technical assistance programme can combat the ill effects of political interference. The good news is that the Government has taken an express stance against the adverse effects of corruption, which stem from the system as constructed over the past two decades. And yes, vested interests will make the required systemic reform undoubtedly an uphill struggle. But it must be done. In speaking of reforms, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Government in pushing Iraq closer to a state of energy independence. Again, this will not happen overnight. But, from the issuing of new licensing rounds to efforts to reduce energy waste, including a clampdown on gas flaring, this ambitious goal is increasingly closer to being reached. Turning to the Kurdistan Region, Madam President. Disagreements between the two ruling parties in recent months drove the Region close to the brink. It was for good reasons that the political situation was described (by many) as increasingly reckless and irresponsible. While it is our firm belief that outstanding fiscal, administrative, security and electoral disagreements could have been addressed months ago, the will to compromise was - for far too long - glaringly absent. That said, repeated efforts by the Region’s President, as well as others, to have the parties return to the negotiation table, and a recent meeting between the Region’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, led, at last, to some good news. After more than six months, the Kurdistan Region’s Cabinet met in full on Sunday. At this stage, I can only express hope that parties will now step up, bridge differences, and work in the interest of all peoples. One glance at the history or geography of the Kurdistan Region reinforces just how urgent the need for sustainable solutions is. Also, the Region’s parliamentary elections are long overdue. Initially scheduled for October 2022, an Election Day has now been set by the Region’s President, after consultations with all parties, for 18 November of this year. And, let me use this opportunity to remind parties that time is of the essence. Agreement on outstanding electoral issues must urgently be found. Another postponement would be detrimental to public trust. With regards to Baghdad-Erbil relations, Madam President, I note that dynamics are still being described as good but complicated. Clearly, the political infighting in the Kurdistan Region did not help, as it also affected the relationship with partners in Baghdad. On 4 April, following a ruling by the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration, and in the absence of the long-awaited hydrocarbon law, Baghdad and Erbil announced that they had reached a temporary agreement to allow for the resumption of oil exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. On 10 May, Iraq’s government requested Türkiye to restart the exports. To date, however, they have not resumed. Since taps were turned off on 25 March, it is likely that hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues have been lost. Allow me here to underline once more the importance of anticipatory governance and thus the structural institutionalization of relations between Baghdad and Erbil. Be it the budget, questions surrounding hydrocarbon resources, disputed territories, the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, or any other outstanding issue for that matter, it remains essential to move beyond ad hoc engagements. Zooming in on Sinjar, we can only express disappointment that little to no progress has been made in the implementation of the 2020 Sinjar Agreement. This is despite the repeated declarations of commitment. To state the obvious: such stagnation creates further space for spoilers (of different backgrounds and affiliations) to exploit the situation to their own ends. And, it blocks thousands of displaced Sinjaris from returning to their areas of origin. Sadly, a recent rise in tensions between communities in Sinjar was in large part further fuelled by online disinformation targeting the Yazidi community. Local leaders from all sides have collectively worked to dispel this spike in tensions. But challenges to reconciliation will persist until meaningful steps are taken, including those towards a unified administration, stable security structures and reconstruction. Now, with the inclusion of the 2020 Sinjar Agreement as an explicit priority in the Government Programme, it is high time to get things done. Madam President, Iraq’s commendable commitment to the return of its citizens from Northeast Syria continues to serve as an example. While new rounds of returns are expected, work is ongoing to reintegrate previous returnees into their areas of origin or, where relevant, to pursue accountability aligned with applicable laws. As we all know, the Iraqi caseload is overwhelming, and I can only emphasize the criticality of continued support to Iraq and the need for any country with nationals in Northeast Syria to follow suit by repatriating its citizens.   More generally, durable solutions for returnees from Northeast Syria and all other IDPs remain essential. This is particularly relevant following the sudden closure of a camp in Ninewa Governorate last April. Secondary displacement is difficult to control and creates new risks. Something else, Madam President: water. Water represents the most critical climate emergency for Iraq. By 2035, it is estimated that Iraq will have the capacity to meet only 15% of its water demands. 90% of Iraq's rivers are polluted, and 7 million people are currently suffering from reduced access to water. This is a significant multiplier of threats to Iraq’s stability. The priority placed on the issue of water security by Iraq’s Government is, therefore, most welcome. And, plans for the extensive updating of Iraq’s water management systems are said to be underway. This will be vital in meeting demands driven by population growth and urbanization. The fair sharing of resources among Iraq’s neighbours is equally important.  If water is a competition, everyone loses. Bold domestic actions and close regional cooperation offer the only winning solution.  On that note, I also wish to draw attention to a simple fact, which is that regional security, economic and political developments do - and will continue to - impact Iraq. I therefore cannot overstate the importance of the Government’s efforts to scale up diplomacy with and among its neighbours in a number of areas – from border security and trade to water-sharing and climate issues. Of course, regional stability will also hinge on respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and good neighbourliness.  Madam President, allow me to turn now to the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property - including the national archives. The Iraqi authorities, assisted by the ICRC and the Tripartite Commission, continue efforts to locate witnesses and possible burial sites for Kuwaiti and third country nationals. It goes without saying that we welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to establish a committee, comprising members of security agencies, which is chaired by the Human Rights Directorate of the Ministry of Defence and mandated to support activities in this regard. We continue to await progress on the retrieval of missing Kuwaiti property - including the national archives.              Madam President, as my last point, let me go back to something I mentioned at the start of my briefing: the need for an active, empowered and protected civic space. Facilitating and allowing a plethora of different voices to be heard, including those which disagree or critique prevailing decisions, is both healthy and essential. Hence, I would like to express our sincere hope that Iraq’s leaders and authorities publicly embrace civic engagement, and the freedom of expression at that, to avoid fomenting a renewed sense of isolation and disillusion among Iraqi people, particularly the younger generation and women. To be clear: accountability, rule of law and respect for human rights are equally essential to preventing recurring cycles of crises. Now, in closing, and as spelled out so often, Iraq has tremendous potential. And through ambitious Government plans, provided, of course, that they are fully implemented, many drivers of instability can be addressed. Of course, all of this could be easily spoiled - whether through unchecked corruption, interference from within, intrusion from the outside, a groundswell of disillusion or political horse-trading against the common good. So, what I am essentially saying is: now is not the time to be complacent, or to take for granted that Iraq has turned a corner. So, I sincerely hope that all remain committed. Thank you. BTSC

It is an honor to speak at this momentous occasion, the "Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue on Anti-Corruption and Integrity Issues" Conference, hosted here in Basra. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Judge Haider Hanoun, Head of the Federal Commission of Integrity of Iraq, for the kind invitation, and I congratulate the esteemed Federal Commission for organizing this significant event. I would also like to express my gratitude to Governor Mr. Asaad Al Eidani, for graciously hosting this conference. The choice of venue in Basra reflects the deep connection between the public and private sectors. It showcases Basra's commendable efforts in creating an attractive business environment for foreign investments and fostering private sector development aligns well with our objectives.   Dear participants. Corruption is a complex, multi-dimensional, and cross-sectoral phenomenon that hampers economic, political, and social development in all nations. Its consequences are far-reaching, affecting both governments and businesses. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves in a particularly vulnerable position due to their limited capacity to tackle corruption effectively. Consequently, addressing corruption necessitates a holistic and systemic approach, involving the active participation of all stakeholders. To overcome this global challenge and achieve national reconciliation, security, and good governance, it is imperative to establish effective and regular communication and coordination between the public and private sectors. Such collaboration serves as a foundation for trust-building in government institutions. When private sector stakeholders witness their effective representation and see their contributions valued, their confidence is bolstered. This results in tangible benefits not only for the private sector but also for the broader community. Considerable progress has been made in the global fight against corruption, but much work remains to be done. Engaging the private sector in understanding the multifaceted nature of corruption, strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering a culture of change have been significant steps forward. These essential elements are enshrined in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Through active engagement with civil society and the private sector, governments can build robust governance systems, thereby enhancing the integrity of the business sector. This is crucial to ensure an attractive and competitive business environment, which, in the long run, leads to healthier markets and increased investor confidence. By encouraging companies to adopt stronger anti-corruption practices and robust corporate governance systems, as well as advocating for equitable and transparent competition through well-designed laws and regulations, governments foster innovation, efficiency, and value for consumers. Therefore, in line with Iraq's commitments, the United Nations is fully committed to enhancing cooperation with the partners and stakeholders present here today. Together, we can turn the goals of anti-corruption and integrity into a sustainable reality. This collaboration aims to create an environment that attracts foreign investments and promotes private sector development. In our quest to combat corruption, it is crucial to recognize the strong link between this fight and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. The SDGs provide us with a comprehensive framework to promote inclusive and sustainable development, leaving no one behind. Goal 16 specifically calls for the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions, emphasizing the need to combat corruption and ensure transparent and accountable governance. With the participation of nearly 150 key stakeholders from the private sector, associations, syndicates, national authorities, civil society organizations, and international organizations, we have the opportunity to strengthen the public-private dialogue, share knowledge and best practices, and forge partnerships that will drive real change. Together, we can make significant strides towards a future where integrity prevails, corruption is eradicated, and the SDGs become a reality for all. In conclusion, it is our collective responsibility to uphold integrity and combat corruption. We must cultivate a shared belief that the fight against corruption is a joint obligation between the public and private sectors. By engaging multiple stakeholders, we can drive this agenda forward. This endeavor not only holds tremendous significance but also has the potential to stimulate economic growth in the future. Let us join forces, with unwavering dedication, to build a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity in Iraq.   Thank you.