The Conference of the Parties (COP) is no longer just an annual summit on climate issues; it has become a critical item on the agendas of many nations, especially for those most affected, like Iraq. This is underscored by the high priority the Iraqi Ministry of Environment places on this event in its annual plan. This year, the 29th Climate Conference will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

As the Iraqi President stepped into the COP this week for the third time, his presence reflected Iraq's commitment to addressing the global climate crisis—even amid current regional challenges and internal recovery needs that might otherwise seem more pressing. Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, has reiterated this commitment through his continuous guidance and support, making participation in the conference a priority within the government’s agenda.

But why this commitment? Iraqis, especially those in the southern and central regions, have felt firsthand the impacts of climate change through unprecedented heat waves, severe water scarcity, and a drastic reduction in agricultural resources. These factors make Iraq’s future and its livability dependent on a swift response to climate change, making Iraq’s participation in the conference a clear testament to its foresight on this critical issue.

Iraq's climate change story is a challenging one, with Iraqis bearing the cost at every step. With a population approaching 43 million, the pressure on resources has increased, and each summer is hotter than the last, with temperatures exceeding 50°C. Studies indicate that the Mesopotamian basin, the cradle of civilization, could become uninhabitable if global temperatures continue to rise at the rate they currently do. Iraq also faces water shortages due to decreased flows in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—a critical challenge, as about 70% of Iraq’s fresh water depends on these rivers. These factors, combined with Iraq’s location and ongoing crises, place it among the most climate-affected countries.

However, Iraq’s participation in recent COPs has been far from passive. At COP28, Iraq not only attended but also had its own pavilion, organized notable sessions, and drew significant, unexpected attention. This year, at COP29 in Baku, Iraq is seemingly replicating that success, strengthening its role through substantial representation. This is clearly not be a conventional participation, as Iraq was elected just a few months ago to represent the Arab Group in the key technical negotiations on climate change in Bonn, Germany—a significant achievement.

As a representative of the Arab group, Iraq is advocating for key topics central to its needs and those of the region. Two Iraqi delegates, Ms. Raghda Talal Al-Dawoodi and Dr. Mohammed Jabbar Ajrash, will lead critical discussions on climate change and maritime transport. This role enhances Iraq’s voice and brings the country’s challenges and proposed solutions to the global stage. The Iraqi government’s actions clearly show that addressing climate change is not just a policy for Iraq—it has become a matter of survival.

UNDP has been a steadfast ally in Iraq’s climate journey. Since Iraq joined the Paris Agreement in 2021, UNDP has supported the government by assisting in the development of its nationally determined contributions, training the negotiating delegation, and working alongside the government, particularly the Ministry of Environment, during Iraq’s previous COP participations, and will continue to do so this year. This support has strengthened Iraq’s ability to confront environmental threats and chart a resilient path forward. Highlighting Iraq’s role at COP29 is a crucial step that reflects the country’s transformation from a nation surviving conflicts to an exceptional climate advocate for the region’s future.