FM Discusses Global Economic Challenges and Prospects for Development Cooperation with UN Deputy Secretary-General

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Fuad Hussein, met with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, on Saturday, 17 October 2026, on the sidelines of the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by Baghdad.

The meeting addressed developments in the international situation and the challenges facing the global economy, particularly rising inflation, the cost of living and fuel prices, as well as the economic and social repercussions of wars and conflicts. The two sides also discussed the importance of intensifying international efforts to promote peace, security and stability.

The Minister stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation to address shared challenges, foremost among them climate change and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, underscoring the importance of using these technologies responsibly and equitably in ways that support sustainable development and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

On the economic front, the Minister noted that Iraq had incurred estimated losses of approximately USD 60 billion as a result of difficulties in selling and exporting oil, reaffirming Iraq’s continued efforts to diversify national income sources, develop non-oil economic sectors and strengthen international partnerships in support of economic stability and sustainable development.

The two sides also discussed the future of the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations and the importance of moving towards sustainable development cooperation that responds to national priorities, emphasizing the need to maintain coordination with UN agencies and programmes and support efforts to build national capacities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.