Latest news with #NationalConferenceforYoungEnvironmentalPioneers
Iraq Business
2 days ago
- Politics
- Iraq Business
PM Calls on Youth to Lead Iraq's Environmental Transformation
By John Lee. On the occasion of World Environment Day , Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani attended the National Conference for Young Environmental Pioneers at Al-Mustansiriyah University, where he highlighted the essential role of youth in raising environmental awareness and advancing sustainable practices in Iraq. During the event, the Prime Minister planted a tree in the university's garden as a symbolic gesture in support of the initiative. Emphasizing that over 60 percent of Iraq's population is under the age of 30, he stated that this demographic strength must be mobilised to meet environmental and developmental challenges. In his speech, Al-Sudani stressed that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility-not limited to the government-and urged the expansion of youth-led voluntary environmental activities. Key initiatives highlighted include: Launch of The Al-Khair Initiative to empower youth in agriculture, food security, and climate action. Formation of a National Youth Climate Action Team with 1,000 members across all provinces. Government backing for major environmental conferences, including the Carbon Economics Conference (Baghdad) and the Iraq Climate Conference (Basra). New regulations on pollution sources and transformation of industrial plants into eco-friendly facilities. Expansion of afforestation efforts using modern agricultural spraying technology. Launch of a Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project in Al-Nahrawan (100 MW capacity). Upgrades to wastewater treatment systems on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Signing of water cooperation agreements with Türkiye to implement modern water management systems. Commitment to end gas flaring by 2027, supported by international contracts and investment. Adoption of the National Initiative for Environmental Monitoring and Inspection. Increased investment in scientific research, emission reduction, and natural area protection. The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Iraq's commitment to climate goals and sustainable development, while calling on youth to play a leading role in shaping a greener future. (Source: PMO)
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
In addition to developing a radical solution to gas flaring, Al-Sudani: We will develop a world-class waste recycling plant facility
Baghdad – INA Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed that the government has developed a radical solution to gas flaring, while indicating the developing of a world-class waste recycling plant facility will be completed. The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sponsored the National Conference for Young Environmental Pioneers, which was held at Al-Mustansiriya University on the occasion of World Environment Day, which falls tomorrow, Thursday." The Prime Minister took the initiative to "plant a tree in the university garden in support of the Young Environmental Pioneers initiative," calling for "the need for widespread attention to the environment and afforestation." In a speech he delivered, he also congratulated the convening of this conference. He explained that "Iraq is a young country, with a youth population exceeding 60%, which enables us to face challenges in all areas. On this basis, the Supreme Council for Youth was established to serve as an incubator for events and initiatives that support youth." He pointed out that "the environmental challenge and the complex danger it poses require a comprehensive mobilization of efforts," emphasizing that "the environment in Iraq has been subjected to significant neglect, coupled with climate change and drought, which have had social and economic impacts." He emphasized the role of "youth in spreading environmental awareness, especially since supporting and preserving our environment is a shared and comprehensive responsibility, not just the responsibility of the state and relevant institutions." He explained that "the Supreme Council for Youth launched the 'Goodness Initiative' last March, a national initiative to empower youth in the sectors of agriculture, food security, livestock, and climate." He noted that "we established the National Youth Climate Change Team, which has reached 1,000 members of both genders and from all our governorates." He emphasized "the importance of expanding volunteer work and directing it toward environmental work to support the government's efforts to confront climate change," noting that "we have supported hosting international conferences that discuss the environment in Iraq and enhance our efforts to confront climate challenges." He pointed out that "Baghdad hosted the Carbon Economics Conference, and Basra hosted the Iraq Climate Conference, sending a message to the international community to support our government's efforts to address the repercussions of climate challenges." He added that "we have devoted efforts to completing treatment plants along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, to achieve the lowest levels of pollutants in them." He continued, "The government has begun addressing the primary and serious causes of pollution, and we call on everyone to assume responsibility for preserving the environment." He noted that "we have worked to tighten controls on pollution sources and convert production plants and brick factories into environmentally friendly facilities.". He continued, "The use of modern spraying techniques in agriculture has contributed to increasing green cover and expanding agricultural areas. We have initiated important projects to conserve water and reduce water waste, and we signed an agreement with Turkey to implement modern water management projects." He explained that "the government has launched work on a waste-to-energy plant project with a capacity of (100) megawatts in Nahrawan." He noted that "we have adopted the National Initiative for Environmental Monitoring and Inspection, taken a series of measures to address air pollution, supported scientific research to identify pollution sources, address emissions, and expand the afforestation initiative and protect natural and green areas." He emphasized that "the government has developed a radical solution to gas flaring, and we have concluded contracts with several companies. By no later than 2027, gas flaring will be zero." He concluded by saying, "90% of the financial allocations have been directed to wastewater treatment plant projects to reduce pollution, and we will complete a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy recycling plant."
