University of Sulaimani Participates in COP29 in Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 22, 2024 – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Iraq, participated actively in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held from November 11 to 22. The KRG delegation, comprising representatives from various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, addressed pressing climate issues while advocating for sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The Ministry of Higher Education emphasized its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating sustainability into academic research, education, and policy. As part of this strategy, the Ministry outlined plans to equip universities with tools and knowledge to tackle climate challenges, foster interdisciplinary studies, and promote innovative projects in fields such as renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, water management, agriculture, and environmental restoration.
A critical focus of the delegation’s participation was the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted during COP15. The KRG reaffirmed its alignment with GBF targets, including the establishment of protected areas in the Kurdistan Region by 2030. This ambitious plan underscores the KRG’s commitment to conserving critical habitats, such as the Zagros mountain ecosystems and key desert habitats, which harbor unique and threatened biodiversity. Efforts include collaborations with local and international organizations such as Nature Iraq, BirdLife International, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to ensure the effective implementation of conservation initiatives.
Representing the academic sector, the University of Sulaimani, under the Ministry of Higher Education, played a prominent role in the delegation. Korsh Ararat, a leading biodiversity expert, participated in panels that discussed the challenges and opportunities facing ecosystems and biodiversity in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader Middle East. He provided insights into the region’s unique ecological landscapes and highlighted how the KRG’s Local Adaptation Plan (LAP) offers practical solutions to address climate impacts.
The KRG delegation also addressed key topics such as water resource management, agriculture, urban planning, pollution, education, and gender equality, reflecting a holistic approach to climate resilience. In particular, they stressed the importance of collaborative projects to tackle water scarcity, enhance food security, and promote urban sustainability.
Through its active engagement at COP29, the Kurdistan Regional Government demonstrated its commitment to achieving the SDGs and the Global Biodiversity Framework goals. By fostering partnerships, promoting education, and implementing innovative projects, the KRG is paving the way for sustainable development and climate resilience in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, ensuring the protection of its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.