Iraqi President Highlights Water Crisis at United Nations Ocean Conference

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid addressing the UNOC3.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid addressed the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, on Monday, 9 June 2025, where he drew attention to Iraq’s worsening water crisis. He cited declining water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—driven by climate change and reduced inflows from upstream countries—as a pressing challenge with national and regional implications.

In his speech, President Rashid remarked: “Today, I am honoured to attend the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), hosted by the city of Nice. This event presents a vital opportunity to exchange perspectives and foster collaboration among nations to address shared challenges and shape a more stable and equitable world.”

He continued: “Water resources—including oceans—are not only a critical developmental and humanitarian concern, but also a matter of global security. For too long, these essential resources have lacked sufficient legal protection.”

The President emphasised Iraq’s commitment to multilateralism: “Iraq’s participation in this conference underscores our firm belief in collective action and our determination to build stronger international partnerships. Together, we must confront urgent global challenges: climate change, economic inequality, and food insecurity.”

He added: “In the face of accelerating climate change, increasing marine pollution, and ecosystem degradation, we must act decisively. Global solidarity, science-based solutions, and sustainable financing are essential to safeguarding our oceans and securing a viable future for the planet.”

President Rashid described oceans and seas as “complex ecosystems essential for stabilising the climate, securing food supplies, supporting livelihoods, and regulating the Earth’s water cycle.” He warned that ocean security is now central to both international and human security, especially for nations vulnerable to water scarcity and rising sea levels.

“The evidence is clear,” he said. “Rising ocean temperatures, intensifying acidification, declining fish stocks, and increasing pollution from plastics and chemicals. The time to act is now.”

Turning to Iraq’s internal situation, the President stated: “Iraq is grappling with a severe and escalating water crisis, marked by declining water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Climate change and the absence of a unified framework for transboundary water governance have exacerbated the issue. Reduced inflows from upstream countries have led to widespread displacement and a significant decline in the agricultural sector’s contribution to our national economy.”

He called for urgent international cooperation: “We need a comprehensive global agreement—one that establishes a strategy for ocean protection, reinforces international commitments, and translates the High Seas Convention into tangible, actionable outcomes. Our oceans demand nothing less.”

President Rashid concluded by advocating for expanded partnerships: “Iraq calls for broader collaboration across governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic and research institutions. We stress the importance of innovative and sustainable financing for ocean protection and enhanced cooperation over shared water resources—rivers, lakes, and seas—for the collective benefit of all nations.”

Earlier, President Rashid and First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed attended a formal reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, welcoming world leaders and delegations participating in UNOC3.

Upon their arrival, President Rashid and the First Lady were warmly received by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. The French President commended Iraq’s active engagement at the conference, affirming that its participation reflects a strong commitment to international cooperation in tackling climate change, environmental degradation, and the protection of global water resources.

President Rashid and the First Lady expressed their gratitude for the hospitality extended to them and conveyed their hopes that the conference would yield meaningful results for the benefit of humanity.



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