Iraq Participates in 2025 Development Cooperation Forum

The Development Cooperation Forum of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, chaired by the President of the Council. The Representative of Iraq to the United Nations Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, delivered a statement on behalf of the group during the opening session of the forum.

In his remarks, he emphasized that, in light of the current global crises that have led to the reversal of development gains, the international community must strengthen its international cooperation efforts to address these challenges. As well he underlined the need for developed countries to adhere to their long-standing commitments to official development assistance, prioritizing grants and concessional financing over loans, particularly for least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states.

Regarding enhancing development effectiveness, the Chair of the Group of 77 and China explained that the challenges facing developing countries due to the fragmentation of development financing have led to a misalignment of resources with national priorities. He called on all development partners, including UN agencies, financial institutions, and bilateral donors, to align their assistance with the development plans of developing countries.

In addition, Dr. Obaid emphasized the need to increase financing for countries affected by climate change and expand technology transfer to support sustainable industrialization, enhance food security, and achieve clean energy transitions. He noted the importance of leveraging the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development this year to achieve meaningful reform of the international financial system and strengthen the governance structures of multilateral development banks.

In concluding, he reiterated the Group of 77 and China’s strong rejection of coercive economic measures, including unilateral sanctions that hinder national development efforts and impede the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.