In a 2022 speech delivered on his behalf by Khaled Battal, Minister of Planning, the Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al Kadhimi highlighted the need for prioritisation of water security and climate change mitigation measures in national strategies.
Speaking at the second International Water Conference, Khaled Battal pointed out that in terms of the impact of climate change Iraq is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries, noting that improving the management and equitable sharing of water resources forms part of the sustainable development goals.
Prime Minister Moustafa Al Kazemi’s address highlighted the need to develop solutions to mitigate damage, particularly in the Iraqi Diyala Governorate, which was suffering an acute shortage of water. He also underscored the need for adequate water storage to secure drinking water throughout both the summer and winter.
The International Water Conference was launched to achieve sustainable water development goals as well as encouraging coordination schemes between neighbouring countries, combating water scarcity by ensuring equity and collaboration between different nations. The event poses a valuable opportunity for attendees to discuss global responses to climate change and its ever-increasing impact on water resources. The conference also provides delegates with a valuable opportunity to discuss their individual efforts overcoming water scarcity and ensuring the sustainability of surface and groundwater, as well as development of domestic water policies in line with global climate developments.
Aoun Dhiab Abdullah, an advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, warned that Iran had completely cut off water supplies to important areas in Diyala Governorate and Shatt al Arab the previous year. The move by the Iranian government was preceded by an announcement by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that Iran had cut off 100% of water supplies to that part of the country. Subsequently, the Hemrin Dam on the Diyala River began to dry up, partly due to a lack of rainfall and partly as a direct result of the Iranian government’s actions. Aoun Dhiab Abdullah also noted a decline in water levels coming to Iraq from Turkey, along with a steep drop in rainfall, forcing the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture to reduce its agricultural plans for 2022 by 50%.
As part of his efforts to counter water scarcity in Iraq, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi directed the country’s Ministries of Agriculture, Interior, Health, Trade, Electricity and Defence, along with all governates and the Mayoralty of Baghdad, to support efforts to overcome water scarcity by the Ministry of Water Resources. A statement by the General Secretariat of the Council Ministers pledged to combat violations of water quotas to ensure the equitable distribution and delivery of water to all beneficiaries. The directive crystalised the commitment of all ministries to support efforts to prevent the situation spiralling into a crisis.
In February 2022, Prime Minister Al Kadhimi unveiled government plans to combat desertification and avert a water crisis. Opening the 36th Regional Conference for the Near East and North Africa in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Mustafa Al Kadhimi stressed the need for international cooperation in developing strategies. Highlighting problems with projects established at the sources of the Tigris and Euphrates, he welcomed delegates to the conference in Baghdad, citing the event as a starting point for further partnership and cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture to achieve the goals of the FAO in the service of communities.
