UNICEF and USAID launch $20M “transformative initiative” in Iraq

2024-11-25T10:35:20+00:00

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Shafaq News/ On Monday, the United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Iraq launched a project with the US Agency
for International Development (USAID) to improve the country’s drinking water
and sanitation networks.

A Step Toward Sustainable
Development

“Under the leadership of the
Government of Iraq and in partnership with USAID, this transformative
initiative will accelerate progress to achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals,” said Sandra Lattouf, UNICEF Representative in Iraq. “It will drive critical
improvements in water systems,ensure a sustainable environment, and
empower communities, especially children and young people, to drive climate
action.”

The program will foster sustainable
behavior change by enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in
communities, while protecting youth from climate change impacts and empowering
them to lead climate improvement efforts, she added.

Vital Partnership

US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina
Romanowski, emphasized that the project is “a vital partnership” to improve
access to clean water across Iraq. Climate change, inefficient irrigation, and
polluted water sources have worsened the challenge, impacting vulnerable
communities, she noted.

In this regard, Romanowski
emphasized that international partners can help, with USAID contributing $20
million to strengthen the government’s ability to manage water systems, improve
digital management, boost private sector expertise, and engage local
communities in water conservation.

According to Romanowski, the
project’s success requires active participation from the government,
international partners, community leaders, the private sector, and all Iraqis
to ensure its wise use for the health and well-being of individuals and the
building of a stable, just society.

Previous Projects

USAID had significantly expanded
access to clean water for over 12 million Iraqis and supported more than 140
water infrastructure projects between 2020 and 2023, helping rehabilitate 10
water treatment plants, which provided water for over half a million people.

USAID had committed $18 million to
enhance water resilience initiatives in Iraq, helping communities make better,
more informed decisions regarding water use and resource management.

In July, a new $15 million activity
funded by USAID was launched by the World Food Program to improve Iraq’s
ability to respond to climate challenges, reduce risks, and promote adaptation
to modern agricultural practices that preserve the livelihoods of vulnerable
groups, including women.

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