BAGHDAD, 13 August 2008 - The United Nations and Iraq’s Government today signed a landmark cooperation agreement, defining how the UN will support Iraq’s reconstruction, development and humanitarian needs over the next three years. The United Nations Assistance Strategy for Iraq 2008-2010 is the first of its kind to be adopted in the country since the 1990s.

Dr. Ali Baban, Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, and David Shearer, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, signed the agreement at a high level ceremony attended by Iraqi Government officials and representatives of UN Agencies in Iraq.

Welcoming the Strategy, Minister Baban said: “This represents an important step in Iraq’s recovery process. It brings the whole UN organization together in partnership with Iraq and its people, to reduce poverty, foster growth and consolidate democracy in our country”.   

David Shearer said, “The Strategy signals a real moment of opportunity in Iraq, with greater stability, a clear will to recover, a growing UN presence and better access to many areas. We will now be able to consolidate achievements and shift focus - helping Iraq to mobilize its substantial capacity and resources while we work to meet outstanding humanitarian needs.”

The Strategy sets out how UN Agencies will cooperate to help Iraq achieve its key economic and social goals, as reflected in the International Compact for Iraq. It contains development and humanitarian solutions for better essential social services such as education and water, and protection for highly vulnerable groups. It also focuses on boosting Iraq’s private sector to create more jobs, and stronger, more accountable systems for governance.  

Shearer noted that the Strategy would be signed as the UN commemorates the August 2003 Canal Hotel bombings. “Five years later, we are now in a position to strengthen our international presence across Iraq,” he said.  “We plan to see faster implementation on the ground and stronger policy guidance in Baghdad.”

The new Strategy aims to ensure that projects are results-orientated and accountable, as required under the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness newly-endorsed by Iraq.  They will be funded through three primary mechanisms: substantial cost-sharing by Iraq’s government itself, international support through the Iraq Trust Fund and the Humanitarian Appeal.