Latest news with #5thBaghdadInternationalWaterConference
Iraq Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq launches Climate-Resilient Water Management Project
By John Lee. At the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference , Iraq and Germany officially launched the joint Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project-an initiative designed to address Iraq's deepening water crisis with sustainable and practical solutions. Implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources in cooperation with Germany's development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Hilla River, running through Babylon, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna governorates, has been selected as the pilot area. The project focuses on: Modernising water resource information systems and data monitoring, Strengthening climate-resilient planning through water accounting and scenario modelling, Enhancing technical capacity within Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources-with a focus on empowering women, Assessing and piloting drainage water reuse as an alternative resource. Experts including Youssef Brouziyne, of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Gerald Corzo Perez (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education) contributed insights, underlining the importance of data-driven water planning and the use of AI and hydroinformatics in managing water under climate pressure. Full statement from GIZ: A new step towards a sustainable future for Iraq's water sector: we are proud to officially launch the Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project - a joint initiative between Iraq and Germany aimed at securing a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. The launch took place at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, where the Ministry of Water Resources and GIZ signed the implementation agreement, marking an important milestone in tackling Iraq's growing water challenges. As Iraq is facing a worsening water crisis, the Federal Government of Iraq and Germany have joined forces on this critical initiative. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we work closely with Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources on practical solution aligned with specific needs of the country. For this, the Hillah River, traversing Babylon, Diwaniyah and Muthanna has been designated as the pilot area. The project will focus on: Upgrading water resources information systems, including monitoring systems and data management. Strengthening climate-resilient planning by employing innovative tools for water accounting and scenario modelling. Building technical capacities withing the Ministry of Water Resources with a special focus on empowering women. Assessing the potential of drainage water reuse as an unconventional water resource and developing pilot projects ready for implementation. The launch featured contribution from leading experts: Youssef Brouziyne, Head of MENA Regional Office at the International Water Management Institute, highlighted the vital role of water data and planning in the face of climate change. Additionally, Gerald Corzo Perez, Associate Professor of Hydroinformatics at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, shared insights on the applications of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence, showcasing successful case studies from around the globe. (Source: GIZ) Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Babylon, Baghdad International Water Conference, cg, climate resilience, Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Diwaniyah, featured, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), germany, hilla river, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Muthanna, Netherlands, sustainable development, water management
Iraq Business
4 days ago
- Politics
- Iraq Business
Iraq and FAO launch $39m Climate Resilience Project
By John Lee. The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. QU Dongyu, has launched a $39-million project titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq" (SRVALI) , in partnership with key Iraqi ministries. The launch took place in Baghdad during the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference. Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with co-financing from the Governments of Canada and Sweden (SIDA), the project will directly support rural communities in Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna-areas heavily impacted by drought, land degradation, and water scarcity. Key components of SRVALI include: Upgrading irrigation and water efficiency systems Deploying solar-powered irrigation Rehabilitating degraded farmland Strengthening Water User Associations Empowering women and youth Introducing digital tools and early warning systems Senior Iraqi officials including Environment Minister Dr. Halo Al-Askari, Water Resources Minister Dr. Aoun Diab Al-Abdullah, and Agriculture Minister Eng. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki reaffirmed their commitment to the project, describing it as vital for Iraq's climate adaptation, food security, and transition to a green economy. UN Deputy Special Representative Ghulam Mohamed Isaczai welcomed Iraq's first-ever GCF-backed initiative as a milestone in national climate finance, supporting inclusive and sustainable development. Mr. Dongyu emphasised that water is at the heart of climate resilience and praised Iraq's growing leadership in global sustainability platforms. Full text of statement from FAO: Iraqi Government and FAO Launch $39-Million Climate Resilience Project As part of his visit to Baghdad, Iraq, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. QU Dongyu, together with key Iraqi ministries, today launched the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded project titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq" (SRVALI). The announcement took place on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, in the presence of senior government officials, international partners and United Nations representatives. With a total investment of USD 39 million, the SRVALI project aims to directly benefit rural households in the governorates of Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna, regions increasingly affected by drought, land degradation, and water scarcity. The project includes generous co-financing from the Government of Canada and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Mr. Dongyu emphasized that the SRVALI project is a testament to Iraq's strong national ownership, inter-ministerial coordination, and efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to those most affected by climate change. He commended the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Planning, and Agriculture for their exemplary partnership throughout the project's development. Iraqi Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Halo Al-Askari, highlighted that addressing climate change is a top priority for the Iraqi government, integral to the transition towards a sustainable green economy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of hunger and poverty. The Minister of Water Resources, H.E. Dr. Aoun Diab Al-Abdullah, stated that the project represents a significant step toward achieving development goals through field interventions and sustainable infrastructure development. He affirmed the Ministry's full commitment to supporting the project's efficient implementation in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring benefits for Iraq's water and agricultural sectors. The initiative encompasses upgrading irrigation systems to enhance water use efficiency, deploying solar-powered irrigation solutions, reclaiming degraded farmlands, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices. Additionally, it focuses on strengthening Water User Associations, empowering rural women and youth, and introducing digital tools and early warning systems to mitigate risks and build resilience. Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Eng. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki, noted that the project's launch results from extensive collaboration with FAO and the GCF, significantly contributing to combating climate change and advancing Iraq's agricultural strategy goals. Ghulam Mohamed Isaczai, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, remarked that establishing Iraq's first-ever GCF financing is a significant achievement in national climate finance, reflecting Iraq's dedication to building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and transitioning towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Mr. Dongyu concluded by highlighting that the event's timing with the Water Conference underscores that climate resilience begins with water. He reiterated FAO's commitment to supporting digital water management through tools like the FAO WaPOR platform and promoting community-level water governance through climate-smart solutions. This event also marks Iraq's growing prominence on the international stage, showcasing leadership and vision through initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the One Country One Priority Product platform, and the World Food Forum. (Source: FAO)
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- General
- Iraqi News
Baghdad, FAO launch $39 million climate resilience initiative
Baghdad ( – The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu, in collaboration with Iraqi ministries, announced on Monday the launch of a new initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The initiative is called 'Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq' (SRVALI). The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, where senior government officials, foreign partners, and United Nations representatives attended, according to a statement released by FAO. With a total investment of $39 million, the SRVALI initiative intends to directly help families in the countryside in the Iraqi provinces of Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna, which are increasingly affected by drought, land degradation, and water shortages. The initiative involves considerable joint funding from the Canadian government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Dongyu emphasized that the initiative demonstrates Iraq's inter-ministerial collaboration and attempts to provide sustainable solutions to people affected by climate change. Dongyu also praised the Iraqi ministries of environment, water resources, planning, and agriculture for their outstanding collaboration during the initiative's development. The campaign includes improving irrigation systems to increase water efficiency, using solar-powered irrigation technologies, restoring damaged farmlands, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices. Furthermore, the initiative aims to empower rural women and young adults by bringing digital tools and early warning systems to reduce risks and increase resilience.
Daily News Egypt
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt urges regional water cooperation at 5th Baghdad International Water Conference
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, called for enhanced regional cooperation and responsible management of shared water resources during his keynote address at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference on Saturday. He emphasized that access to water should never be politicized or exploited as leverage in conflicts. Speaking at the opening session in Iraq's capital, Sewilam praised Iraq for hosting a pivotal platform for Arab water dialogue. This year's conference, themed 'Water and Technology: A Partnership for Development,' underscores the urgent need to harness modern technologies to confront mounting water challenges globally and regionally. 'More than 90% of the Arab population lives under critical water scarcity,' Sewilam said, noting that 21 countries in the region rely on transboundary water sources, with over 60% of available water originating outside the Arab world. These facts highlight the vital importance of adhering to international water law principles—such as prior notification, data sharing, and the obligation not to cause harm. The minister pointed to rapid population growth, rising temperatures, and declining rainfall as key drivers of desertification, which exceeds 60% in some Arab countries. A joint UNESCO-ACSAD report estimates the region's water deficit could reach 261 billion cubic meters by 2030 unless urgent action is taken. 'Egypt categorically rejects the use of water as a tool for political pressure,' Sewilam declared, affirming water as a fundamental human right and urging that it should foster cooperation rather than conflict. He expressed deep concern over the systematic destruction of water infrastructure in Gaza, warning that it worsens the humanitarian crisis and jeopardizes water security for millions. Highlighting the indispensable role of technology in water management, Sewilam outlined Egypt's strategic approach, which emphasizes achieving 'more output with fewer resources' through efficiency, equity, and innovation. He detailed Egypt's water strategy, including the adoption of desalination technologies for large-scale food production and proactive measures to address the impacts of population growth and climate change. Under Egypt's second-generation water management framework, Irrigation 2.0, the country is implementing expansive projects focused on water treatment and reuse—such as the New Delta, Bahr El-Baqar, and Al-Mahsama plants—alongside digital transformation, smart governance, canal rehabilitation, and institutional capacity building. Sewilam also called on regional and international stakeholders to support the upcoming 8th Cairo Water Week, scheduled for October 12–16, 2025. The event, themed 'Innovative Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Water Sustainability,' will feature joint ministerial meetings of Arab water and agriculture leaders to promote integrated solutions for water security. Concluding his remarks, the minister urged Arab states to adopt innovative and alternative water management approaches—including reuse, clean energy-powered systems, and climate-resilient agriculture—to bridge the widening gap between limited water resources and escalating demand across the region.
Shafaq News
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
New life for ancient rivers: Iraq's water initiative gains UN acclaim
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani unveiled a regional initiative to protect the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as Iraq faces one of its most critical water crises in decades. Speaking at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, held on Saturday under the theme Water and Technology: Partnership for Development, al-Sudani outlined a strategy focused on joint water management, modernized irrigation, and cross-border cooperation. 'We live through economic, social, and security challenges, all of which depend on the availability of water,' al-Sudani said. 'This is not just an infrastructure issue—it touches every part of life and demands collective responsibility.' The initiative drew praise from Marco Arcieri, president of the UN-affiliated International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), who commended Iraq's historic leadership in water systems. 'Iraq has always been a pioneer in water management,' Arcieri said. 'With today's technologies and regional collaboration, it can lead once again.' He emphasized that global partners are actively supporting Iraq in deploying advanced technologies to bolster water and food security. Iraq's water supply has been shrinking rapidly. Flows from the Tigris and Euphrates—its main water sources—have dropped by up to 40% due to upstream dams, climate change, and prolonged droughts, leading to shrinking reservoirs, dying farmlands, polluted water, and the growing displacement of rural communities. Supporting the prime minister's call, Water Resources Minister Aoun Diab described Iraq as one of the most water-stressed nations in the world, grappling with 'complex and overlapping challenges.' 'The biggest threat isn't just water scarcity—it's the lack of cooperation,' Diab said, urging neighboring countries to engage in joint river basin management. Diab also noted that Iraq is pursuing a plan to improve water governance and align with sustainable development goals. Speaking on behalf of President Abdul Latif Rashid, Presidential Advisor Mohammed Amin underscored Iraq's downstream vulnerability in both river basins, calling for a binding agreement with Turkiye to secure a fair water share. 'This is not a temporary challenge—it is a national crisis,' Amin said, adding that climate change and unregulated water usage are accelerating the problem.
