29 Mar 2019

EU fund new €47.5 million initiative to support recovery and stability in Iraq

The EU, working together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN-Habitat, launched a new programme to support the continued recovery of Iraq.

The project, funded by €47.5 million, aims to support local priority actions, developed under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP II), across nine governorates, including: Anbar, Basra, Duhok, Erbil, Missan, Ninewah, Salah al-Din, Sulaimaniyah, and Thi Qar.

Funding will be directed toward the top priorities of each governorate, with support from UNDP and UN-Habitat to develop innovative solutions to translate policy into practice.

Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Ambassador Ramon Blecua, said:

“The European Union is strongly committed to assist the Government of Iraq in its efforts to shape a more inclusive and accountable local development. This new EU-funded program will ensure better services and livelihoods opportunities for the Iraqi population, responding to the urgent needs affecting Basra and other Governorates across the country.''

The overall goal is to improve upon stability and socio-economic development in Iraq, by decentralising power to local government. To achieve this, the UNDP and UN-Habitat are directing their efforts towards increasing economic growth and creating jobs, particularly with a focus on young people and women.

Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Marta Ruedas, said:

“Creating job opportunities, improving living conditions, upgrading public services, and integrating eco-friendly practices are some of our top priorities when it comes to local development in Iraq. Women and youth are an integral part in this process. The EU support represents a lifeline for communities struggling to make ends meet, as well as to promote good governance at the local level.”

The UNDP and UN-Habitat will also be enhancing the living conditions for returnees. Rehabilitating public institutions is key for the success of this goal; development of houses and schools, repairs to secondary infrastructure in post conflict areas.

The programme aims to improve the ability of the selected governorates to effectively and transparently manage local government and public services, along with strengthening the state’s relationship with its citizens.

This follows the launch of The National Platform for Reconstruction and Development, supported by the UN-Habitat. The platform is a GIS data system that provides public access to analytic reports, statistical data for projects, and interactive maps of project locations. The platform also enables citizens to provide feedback on projects.

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