Canada announces funding for development projects in Iraq
News release
March 19, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada and Iraq’s friendly ties and good bilateral relationship are supported by shared interests and a commitment to advance security, stability and prosperity in Iraq and the region. Since 2016, Canada has supported development assistance in Iraq to strengthen good governance, advance gender equality, address climate change and promote the economic empowerment of women and girls.
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, met with Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During this meeting, Minister Hussen announced $14.77 million in development assistance funding for 3 projects in the country:
- The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture will receive $5 million for the Strengthening Evidence-Based Water Management project. This initiative aims to improve the Government of Iraq’s ability to develop and apply evidence-based knowledge to better manage and sustain the country’s water resources.
- Action Against Hunger Canada will receive $4.77 million for the Promoting Feminist Solutions to Climate Change-Driven Water and Food Insecurity project. This initiative aims to increase the adoption of climate-smart approaches along food value chains, as well as increase community decision making to promote climate change governance by strengthening women’s rights and youth-led organizations in drought-affected areas.
- The National Democratic Institute will receive $5 million for the second phase of the Supporting Gender-Sensitive Local Governance Through Women’s Advisory Boards Program. This initiative aims to strengthen women’s capacity to influence decisions on the allocation of resources in their communities. The second phase of the project will extend the Women Advisory Boards model to a wider geographic area.
Quotes
“The government and people of Iraq are working to stabilize their institutions and communities, put the country back on the path to peace and prosperity and respond to the substantial threat of climate change. The support announced today demonstrates Canada’s commitment to helping them build a better future for themselves, including by establishing climate-resilient, inclusive systems and institutions.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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Under its Middle East engagement strategy, launched in 2016, Canada has provided over $586 million in funding for non-military assistance to Iraq. This includes over $288 million for humanitarian assistance, more than $191 million for security and stabilization assistance and over $107 million for development assistance.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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