Permanent Representative Reaffirms Iraq’s Commitment to Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals During the Ministerial Segment of the High-level Political Forum

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Lukman Al-Faily, delivered Iraq’s national statement on 14 July 2026 during the Ministerial Segment of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This year’s Forum focuses on reviewing progress in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17, as well as the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration.

The Permanent Representative reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing that poverty eradication remains the world’s greatest challenge amid the alarming slowdown in progress towards the SDGs and the widening financing gap. He stressed that sustainable development and peace are mutually reinforcing and cannot be achieved independently of one another.

On SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), he highlighted the growing challenges Iraq faces due to declining water inflows and increasing water salinity. He called for strengthening integrated water resources management, enhancing international cooperation on transboundary waters, and ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services for all.

Addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), he reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy. He underscored the importance of increasing investment in renewable energy projects, bridging investment gaps in developing countries, and advancing the energy transition in line with the Paris Agreement.

Regarding SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), he called for mobilizing adequate financing for resilient infrastructure, promoting industrial diversification, strengthening public-private partnerships, supporting sustainable industrialization, and narrowing the digital and technological divide.

On SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), he noted that the housing affordability crisis has contributed to the expansion of informal settlements across many developing countries. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to inclusive urban planning, improving conditions in informal settlements, and providing adequate housing for low-income populations.

In concluding his statement, the Permanent Representative emphasized the critical role of international partnerships in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the commitments of the Seville Conference on Financing for Development, called for strengthening debt sustainability and debt restructuring efforts, increasing official development assistance to developing countries, and closing the SDG financing gap through stronger and more effective global partnerships.