COP 29: Iraqi President Calls for Climate Action for Future Generations

Iraq 03:58 PM - 2024-11-12

Iraqi President gives his speech during COP 29 in Azerbaijan.

The President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, attended today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the United Nations Climate Conference COP 29, held in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Rashid was welcomed by the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres.

At the beginning of his speech, the Iraqi President expressed his sincere appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan for hosting the event and for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to them.

During his speech, President Rashid highlighted the significant challenges Iraq faces due to climate change, including drought, desertification, escalating dust storms, soaring temperatures, and reduced rainfall and snowfall.

He said: "We hope that the discussions at this conference will lead to decisions that reflect the increasing global challenges posed by climate change, the effects of which we have witnessed in recent natural disasters, such as the flooding in Spain and other areas. Our condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives in these tragic events."

President Rashid said: "The effects of climate change are already evident in Iraq, where we are grappling with extreme heat waves, escalating dust storms, and declining rainfall. These factors have caused a reduction in water resources and green spaces, increased drought and desertification, and the degradation of natural habitats and biodiversity."

"In fact, these changes have displaced communities that rely on traditional practices, such as those living in the southern marshes of Iraq, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and whose way of life is now at risk of disappearing. This is despite the fact that Iraq’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, similar to other developing nations," he added.

President Rashid stated that climate justice must be at the heart of discussions, as it is a fundamental human right. He emphasised that action must be taken not only for the benefit of the people today but also for future generations, whose future depends on the decisions made now. He expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to tangible steps and the implementation of clear and effective mechanisms, such as the activation of the Loss and Damage Fund, which was agreed upon at last year’s COP 28.

President Rashid highlighted that among the core principles are fairness, justice, and shared responsibility in addressing climate change. He noted that Iraq, as a nation whose economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, faces challenges not only from the direct impacts of climate change but also from the global efforts to mitigate it. He called on the nations in the region, who are similarly affected by climate change, to form a negotiating bloc to coordinate and collaborate, ensuring that collective efforts yield greater results than individual actions alone. In this context, he urged the world’s major economies to strengthen their commitments to climate action and added that the world cannot move forward without the collective efforts of all parties.

He expressed with enthusiasm that Iraq is making significant progress in fulfilling its commitments under the Climate Agreement and related international frameworks, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience to climate change, and transitioning towards renewable energy.

President Rashid said: "The Iraqi government has prepared a series of national documents and strategies to meet Iraq’s voluntary commitments under the Paris Agreement. We have completed the Technology Needs Assessment Document and the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Document, which identify Iraq's needs in key sectors. Additionally, we are finalising the Climate Investment Plan, which will guide both the public and private sectors in fulfilling Iraq's climate goals, attracting both local and international investments, and mobilising financial resources to meet the challenges of climate change and build a more sustainable future."

President Rashid highlighted that Iraq has taken significant steps to reduce methane emissions, becoming the first OPEC member to join the Global Methane Compact. He added that Iraq is also actively participating in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the International Methane Emissions Observatory, with the aim of achieving zero associated gas flaring by 2028.

He concluded by reminding the international community of the critical role it plays in strengthening collective efforts to address the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

 

 

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