Iraqi President Stresses Urgent Need for Climate Action

World 03:29 PM - 2024-11-11

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid & Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid stressed the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation to address the global climate crisis during his participation in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijani capital Baku, the Iraqi Presidency reported on Monday, November 11, 2024.

President Rashid arrived at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport on Monday morning, accompanied by a high-level delegation, to attend the COP29 conference at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev.

Iraqi President, Azerbaijani President Discuss Climate Action

President Rashid met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Monday at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

The leaders discussed the strong and growing bilateral relationship between Iraq and Azerbaijan, emphasising the need for increased cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including the economic industry, investment, tourism, the environment and energy.

President Rashid highlighted the importance of expanding collaborative efforts to benefit both nations.

A key focus of the discussion was climate change, with President Rashid stressing the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation to address the global climate crisis.

He emphasised the necessity of activating both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development.

In addition to climate issues, the leaders covered various regional and global challenges, underlining the importance of intensifying international efforts to tackle these issues and ensuring peace and security worldwide.

President Aliyev expressed his appreciation for President Rashid’s visit and participation in COP29. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening ties with Iraq across all sectors and making substantial investments in Iraq’s development.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid & Mafalda Duart, Executive Director of GCF.

 

Iraqi President Receives Executive Director of GCF

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid also received Mafalda Duart, the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), on the sidelines of his participation in the United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) on Monday, November 11, 2024, at his residence in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

The meeting addressed global efforts to address climate change, with President Rashid emphasising that COP 29 presents an opportunity to strengthen efforts and broaden the scope of joint international cooperation to mitigate the risks posed by this phenomenon to all aspects of life.

President Rashid explained the significance of aligning visions in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund as a strategic partner to protect the environment. 

He highlighted the government's key measures to tackle climate change challenges, emphasising Iraq's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the climate agreement and subsequent international accords to address greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptability to climate change impacts, and gradually shifting towards renewable energy.

Duarte conveyed her joy in meeting President Rashid and his interest in laying the groundwork for a robust strategic partnership with the Green Climate Fund, while also emphasising the Fund's eagerness to collaborate with Iraq and assist its efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on all aspects of life. 

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid & Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

 

Iraq, UNDP Forge Stronger Alliance on Climate Action

President Rashid also met Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to discuss their shared commitment to climate action, sustainable development and humanitarian response.

The meeting focused on strengthening Iraq’s partnership with the UNDP to drive economic and social progress. 

President Rashid highlighted Iraq’s commitment to development initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment, creating new job opportunities and enhancing the role of the private sector in the country’s growth.

A major focus of the discussion was the situation of displaced populations, particularly in Sinjar. President Rashid reiterated Iraq’s dedication to facilitating the safe and stable return of displaced families by improving essential services in their home regions. He called for increased coordination among government agencies and international partners, highlighting that delays in United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) mechanisms need urgent resolution.

President Rashid also stressed the indispensable role of the United Nations and its agencies in addressing humanitarian crises. 

The meeting also reviewed key issues to be discussed at COP29 and the anticipated outcomes of the conference. President Rashid underscored the need for international cooperation in tackling climate change, advocating for unified global action to protect vulnerable communities.

Steiner expressed gratitude for Iraq’s ongoing collaboration with the UNDP and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s development goals. He emphasised that sustainable and inclusive growth is essential for stability across all sectors in Iraq.



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