Baghdad, 23 May 2024 - Iraq’s first Climate Investment Plan was announced on May 16, 2024. The goal of the CIP is to offer viable options for public and private investments to fulfill the climate commitments of Iraq into the investment strategies for the period 2025-2030. This initiative aims to drive Climate Action and attract investments, while creating a safe and secure environment for both foreign and local investors.

Two announcement events occurred: 

On May 16, 2024, the National Investment Commission (NIC) hosted a federal level event attended by several ministries, including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Planning. The second event occurred on May 19, 2024, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) attended by the President of the Board of Investment (BoI), Mr. Mohammed Shukrey Saeed, and the advisor to the PM-KRG on Climate Change, Ms. Bayan Sami Abdulrahman. The Climate Investment Plan, developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aligns with Iraq’s vision to promote Climate Action through a broader investment strategy.

The President of the NIC, Dr. Haider Muhammad Makiya, stated, "Today, we announced the Climate Investment Plan, along with UNDP and USAID. Technical teams from all ministries will be formed to work on the five-year plan and establish a united vision to reduce the burden on the country’s operational budget."

The President of the BoI, Dr. Mohammed Shukrey, stated, "Our Climate Investment Plan in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, launched in collaboration with the Environmental Protection and Improvement Board, the Ministry of Planning, and UNDP extends to the year 2030. This initiative aims to encourage climate investment in the region. We have formed a technical team from all sectoral bodies, and from the Prime Minister Council to develop a comprehensive and realistic strategy that integrates climate considerations into our investment plans,”

USAID Iraq’s Mission Director, Ms. Elise Jensen, stated, “We are dedicated to helping Iraq move its economy forward and reduce the impacts of climate change. The Climate Investment Plan is a significant step towards the country’s financial independence, and USAID is eager to support Iraq in creating the right environment where investors can see the true potential and opportunities this country’s private sector offers.”

UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, Auke Lootsma, added, "We believe in Iraq's vision and are ready to support all efforts facilitating climate investment and Climate Action in the country. This plan signifies a strong commitment to sustainable development and to secure a better future for Iraq."

The CIP identifies priority areas such as agriculture, water security, ecosystems, low-emission transport, energy, and circular urban economy. By addressing these key sectors, Iraq aims to enhance resilience, reduce emissions, and foster a safe environment for investment.

About USAID

The United States Government, through USAID, is a steadfast partner of Iraq, helping enhance social and economic stability for all citizens. USAID is working with the Iraqi Government, international institutions, and local partners to accelerate economic growth and empower women, youth, and religious and ethnic minorities.

About UNDP 

UNDP aims to contribute to Iraq’s environmental rehabilitation and development efforts by addressing the root causes, risks and mitigation measures associated with environmental degradation, climate change, and disasters shocks through capacity building and technical assistance. Support for relevant ministries and departments of the national and local government, as well as the regional authorities, is designed to enable them to fulfill their legal obligations and policy and regulatory commitments to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Iraq.

Media Contact: Zein Hamon, Communications Analyst | zein.hamon@undp.org | 

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