Baghdad, 9 June 2024 - Iraq has been elected to represent the Arab Group in the technical negotiations at the Bonn Climate Change Conference. During the preparatory meetings for the upcoming COP29, the Arab Group for Climate Change Negotiations selected two members of Iraq's permanent climate negotiating delegation as official representatives for two key negotiation topics: Ms. Raghda Talal Al-Daoudi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was chosen to represent the Arab negotiators on Climate Change and Gender issues, while Dr. Mohammed Jabbar Ajrash from the Ministry of Oil was selected to represent the Arab negotiators on Bunker Fuel and Maritime Transport.

This decision marks a significant technical, political, and diplomatic achievement for Iraq, allowing it to effectively present its national issues regarding climate change at one of the most important international forums. Given that Iraq is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, this recognition has critical environmental, economic, and political implications both nationally and internationally.

UNDP has played an important role in supporting Iraq in these efforts. Through technical assistance to the negotiation team and on-the-ground support to the Ministry of Environment, UNDP has facilitated Iraq's active participation in COP27, COP28, and the upcoming COP29 in Baku. This support has empowered Iraq to address its climate challenges and advocate for its needs on the global stage.

About UNDP 

UNDP aims to contribute to Iraq’s environmental rehabilitation and development efforts by addressing the root causes, risks and mitigation measures associated with environmental degradation, climate change, and disasters shocks through capacity building and technical assistance. Support for relevant ministries and departments of the national and local government, as well as the regional authorities, is designed to enable them to fulfill their legal obligations and policy and regulatory commitments to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Iraq.
 

Media Contact: Zein Hamon, Communications Analyst | zein.hamon@undp.org | +964 780 780 447 3336