Baghdad International Water Conference looks to support Iraq in fair distribution of water
ERBIL, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – On Sunday, the first Baghdad International Water Conference entitled “Beneficial Planning and Management of Water Resources to Achieve Sustainability” continues its work for the second and last day.
“We seek through the conference to mobilize public opinion to support the position of Iraq and the negotiating files with the two neighbors, Turkey and Iran,” Ali Radi, spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, said in a statement to North Press.
The two-day conference, organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, brings together senior officials from the Government of Iraq, representatives from international organizations including the UN, as well as international experts and diplomats.
In his opening speech, the Iraqi Minister of Planning Khaled Battal Najm expressed his confidence in the success of the conference.
He called for the work to convert challenges to opportunities that contribute to preserving water and its sustainability to maintain the rights of future generations.
He also called for achieving fairness and equality in the distribution of water.
Radi stressed the importance of the conference, which includes international and regional Arab personalities, water ministers, United Nations organizations concerned with water, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and civil society figures.
Radi said that the conference, held under the auspices of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi, includes several issues, strategic planning and integrated management of water resources for food and water security, at the internal and external levels, in light of the existing challenges and the climate impact.”
The two-day conference aims to find ways to overcome future challenges relating to water availability, exchange scientific and policy expertise on water resource management, promote exchange of modern technologies, and raise awareness on conservation, Radi added.
Iraq is facing several challenges, the most important of which are the health crisis represented by the coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions, water challenges, in addition to the security challenges.”
The challenges are the climate conditions and the increasing warnings of a water crisis in the world, in addition to security challenges and the coronavirus pandemic, according to Radi.
The conference aims to achieve water stability in the countries of the region and sustainable development of water resources.