Iraq Urges Greater Support for Countries with Limited Coastlines at UN Conference

UN Website

Global leaders at the 3rd Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

Iraq’s Environment Minister Dr Halo al-Askari has called for the global sustainable development agenda to include dedicated support for nations with limited coastlines, during his address as head of the G77 and China delegation at the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan.

Dr Askari participated on behalf of President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid and in his capacity as Chair of the G77 and China delegation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Avaza, Turkmenistan.

Delivering his address in both English and Arabic, Dr Askari underscored Iraq’s role as an active and influential player at the Arab, regional, and international levels. He called for the inclusion of a dedicated provision within the global sustainable development agenda to support countries with limited coastlines, stressing the need for collective action to ensure that no nation is left behind in the development process, regardless of the size or nature of its maritime access.

Opening his remarks, the Minister extended Iraq’s gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for its warm welcome and hospitality, and commended the United Nations for its efforts in organising the conference at what he described as a “critical stage” in advancing sustainable development.

Dr Askari welcomed the adoption of the Ten-Year Programme of Action 2024–2034, which he said reflects a renewed commitment to the 32 landlocked developing countries. The programme’s priorities include trade facilitation, structural transformation, enhanced connectivity and transportation, innovation, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and mobilising international support.

He affirmed that Iraq, through its current presidency of the G77 and China, is committed to giving due attention to the needs of all developing nations, including landlocked countries, and to advocating for their concerns on the multilateral agenda. This, he stressed, includes mobilising resources and fostering partnerships to address shared challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Although Iraq is not landlocked, Dr Askari noted that its maritime access is limited to a narrow 58-kilometre stretch in the far north of the Arabian Gulf. This, he explained, imposes strategic, economic, and environmental constraints, compounded by navigational challenges caused by shallow waters and sedimentation at the Tigris and Euphrates river deltas, requiring continuous dredging and maintenance.

He further highlighted the vulnerability of Iraq’s coastal ecosystem, where freshwater and seawater meet, to rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and the impacts of upstream dam construction on water flow. These, he warned, pose significant risks to agriculture, freshwater supplies, and biodiversity in Iraq’s marshlands.

To address these challenges, Dr Askari said Iraq has embarked on major strategic initiatives, most notably the Grand Faw Port and the Development Road Project, which will connect the Arabian Gulf to Turkey and onwards to Europe. These projects aim to establish a new economic corridor, boost international trade, and enhance Iraq’s role as a regional logistics hub.

He emphasised that Iraq’s geographical position makes it a natural partner for landlocked developing countries, and pledged to strengthen partnerships that deliver mutual benefits and help these nations overcome trade and development obstacles.

Concluding his address, Dr Askari reiterated Iraq’s conviction that regional and international cooperation, constructive dialogue, and the exchange of expertise are essential to advancing sustainable development and tackling shared environmental and economic challenges.

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) brought together global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders under the theme "Driving Progress through Partnerships".

The landmark event was aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), home to over 600 million people, and accelerate sustainable development through enhanced cooperation, trade facilitation, and infrastructure investment.



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