Sudani and UNDP head discuss collaboration on key priorities

BAGHDAD, September 20 — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani met with Achim Steiner, Administer of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in New York on Tuesday to discuss strengthening ties in the fields of climate change, the electronic payment law project, economic reform, and anti-corruption efforts.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office read:

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani, during his participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, met with Achim Steiner, the Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in New York. He emphasized Iraq’s desire to enhance cooperation with the UNDP in three priority areas for the government: climate change, the electronic payment law project, and economic reform. Additionally, Iraq is committed to combating corruption and promoting transparency within government institutions.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani also highlighted plans for cooperation with UNDP in the fields of e-governance and the digital economy, stating that these aspects would have a positive impact on addressing various challenges faced by Iraq.

Achim Steiner expressed UNDP’s readiness to provide assistance, technical cooperation, and support for the three priorities mentioned by the Prime Minister. A workshop on the electronic payment project is expected to be held in Baghdad later this month.

Furthermore, Iraq’s commitment to addressing climate change, mitigating the effects of drought, implementing reform projects, providing training programs to enhance the capabilities of government institutions, and restoring stability to liberated areas were also discussed.