UNDP Iraq

🌱 From Al-Basrah Al-Fayhaa 🌱 The UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative in Iraq, Sascha Graumann, met with the Netherlands Ambassador, Janet Alberda, to strengthen collaborations and advance shared goals for Iraq’s development. During the visit, they connected with local farmers whose agricultural initiatives have been supported by UNDP programs, funded by generous partners. The ambassador expressed happiness during the meeting with the farmers: " We are pleased to meet you, discuss, and stand together on the ground to explore ways to develop and support agriculture in Iraq." UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative, Sascha Graumann said: "UNDP Iraq is dedicated to advancing the climate and environment agenda, fostering sustainable solutions for a brighter future in Iraq." Farmers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support they received, which revitalized agriculture on their farms and improved the environmental conditions in their areas. These efforts contribute significantly to Iraq’s goals of adapting to climate change and mitigating its impacts, improved environmental conditions, and strengthened resilience to climate challenges. Together, we are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable #Iraq!

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Tourism – Board of Tourism of the #Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), proudly announces the successful completion of the Tourism Enterprise Development Program for women and youth aimed at developing the Tourism sector and empowering women and youth across the Kurdistan Region of #Iraq (KRI). Read more: go.undp.org/JLx

UNDP Iraq, with funding from USAID and collaboration with local partners, is driving efforts to improve employment opportunities and skills alignment in the #Kurdistan Region. Recent discussions across #Erbil, #Duhok, #Sulaymaniyah, and #Halabja brought together women, youth, and underrepresented groups to address labor market challenges.    Key recommendations include enhancing vocational training, strengthening Career Development Centers, and adopting inclusive policies for youth and women.  These insights will inform a comprehensive workforce skills gap assessment, providing a foundation for evidence-based interventions to create a more inclusive and dynamic labor market in #Iraq.

With support from USAID Iraq, UNDP Iraq trained 32 staff members from the KRI Board of Tourism, Tourism Directorate, and private sector on eco-tourism development. The training covered eco-tourism policy, planning, marketing, and destination management, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. The Eco-Tourism Draft Strategy and a situational framework were presented and validated, setting the foundation for #Iraq’s first-ever eco-tourism strategy. This effort is a significant step toward sustainable tourism development in the #Kurdistan Region.

With USAID #Iraq’s support, UNDP equipped 35 senior staff from the #KRI Board of Tourism and eight Tourism General Directorates with expertise in tourism product development and sustainable practices. Participants developed outlines for eight unique tourism products that will be integrated into the 2025 operational plans for each directorate. These efforts aim to promote sustainable tourism and contribute to the economic growth of the #Kurdistan Region.

Leadership and Women’s Empowerment in #Iraq’s Security Sector. Read more: https://go.undp.org/J6B

We have concluded the Train the Trainers Program in Arbitration, marking a significant step forward for Iraq’s judiciary. The program equipped six judges from #Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council with advanced arbitration knowledge and teaching skills. The journey began with a study visit to Egypt, where the judges were hosted by the Cairo Economic Court to observe its Mediation and Case Preparation Department, sharing practical insights on how courts foster Alternative Dispute Resolution for resolution of commercial disputes. The visit continued at the Cairo Regional Center for Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), where its Secretary General, Dr. Ismail Selim facilitated experience-sharing on how arbitration proceedings are administered by arbitral instructions. Visit to Egypt concluded with the judges attending a 2-day conference on “The Role of Courts in Arbitration”. Here, they exchanged insights with regional peers and engaged with Egypt’s Minister of Justice – fostering collaboration on the application of the New York Arbitration Convention. Iraqi judges were the first in the region to receive the newly published 2nd Edition of the Arabic translation of the ICCA’s Guide to the New York Convention. 🌐 🔹 Organized within our Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives financed by the European Union, the program concluded with an intensive 5-day workshop focusing on arbitration law, practice, and adult learning methodologies. By empowering judges to train their peers, we aim to ensure long-term, sustainable impact – strengthening Iraq’s judiciary and expanding the reach of arbitration knowledge across the country. #JudicialExcellence #Arbitration #RuleOfLaw #UNDP #CapacityBuilding Ismail Selim, The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA)

Meet Liqaa Hamed, a 28-year-old teacher who overcame nearly a decade of displacement and adversity to reclaim her dreams. Through the Cash for Work program by UNDP and World Vision, supported by USAID #Iraq, Liqaa not only earned a living but also rediscovered her passion for teaching. Her journey is a testament to resilience, proving that some dreams have no expiration date. Read more: https://go.undp.org/J8k

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in #Iraq and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iraq Office have renewed their longstanding partnership to advance Iraq’s socio-economic development through financing from the Government of #Japan (GoJ) and JICA. This partnership, which has spanned over fifteen years of cooperation with the Government of Iraq (GoI), reflects the strong commitment of UNDP and the GoJ/JICA to addressing Iraq’s need for efficient, stable, and reliable basic services and economic infrastructure. Together, they have significantly contributed to Iraq’s human and economic growth, aligning with Iraq’s national development plans and programmes focusing on economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and improved social services. Read more: https://go.undp.org/JmH

Advancing Environmental & Climate Justice in #Iraq UNDP is supporting the Government of Iraq in drafting the law for Protection and Improvement of Environment. As part of this ongoing effort, UNDP recently convened a roundtable in Erbil, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, members of the Parliament Health and Environment committee, representatives from the State Council, Supreme Judicial Council and Environmental Police. Stakeholders gathered to discuss the draft law articles and identifying strengths, weaknesses, and proposing modifications to ensure the law aligns with the international best practices.