Baghdad, 24 March 2020 – The Government of Japan has pledged US$7.63 million to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq as it works to boost employment opportunities in the Ninewa Plains and promote safer communities in Sinjar.

With a focus on youth and women, the project includes activities such as skills development and training, provision of small grants for new enterprises and start-ups, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure critical to agricultural production.

UNDP will also use the contribution to launch a community security pilot, helping national and local government entities to reintegrate former combatants safely and with dignity, by improving their living conditions and establishing local peace advocates.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for this generous contribution which will bolster critical sectors like agriculture – one of the country’s main sources of livelihoods. Our strong and continuing partnership will give Iraqi communities greater financial independence by providing more jobs, more business opportunities, and invaluable skills training,” says UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Ms. Zena Ali Ahmad.

“The emphasis on building community security under this project is equally important, working alongside the Government of Iraq to promote community peace in an extremely fluid and challenging security environment,” she adds.

H.E. Mr. Naofumi Hashimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq states that “Japan has recently decided to provide a new assistance package for Iraq amounting to USD 41 million including this project as assistance for sustainable peace and development. With this package, the total amount of Japan’s assistance to the people affected by the crisis reaches USD 540 million since 2014.”

“UNDP has played a vital role in rehabilitating key infrastructures and enhancing resilience of those affected in former conflict areas. This project will not only help restore the livelihood of residents and returnees, but it is also critical to sustaining peace and development for Iraq”, he adds.

The project aligns with the Security-Development Nexus objectives launched by the Government of Japan in Tokyo in 2018, which emphasises the critical role security plays in achieving sustainable peace and development through rehabilitating essential infrastructure, boosting employment, building community cohesion, and bolstering national security capacity.

For additional information, please contact:

Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee, Communications Specialist