Mr. President, Distinguished members of the Security Council,
Today we are roughly one year on from the formation of Iraq’s current Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Since its inception, several important steps and promising initiatives have emerged. To name but a few:
· Long-awaited reforms in the banking and finance sectors are now underway. One example is the launch of an electronic platform for foreign currency sales, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to both transparency and efficiency.
· A new Iraq Fund for Development has been established. This, coupled with the change ushered in by the recently adopted federal budget, has the potential to spur private sector investment.
· The passing of a new law on social security means that, for the first time, all Iraqi workers can benefit from public entitlements, such as health insurance, as well as maternity and unemployment benefits.
· And, as most of you will know, a trailblazing initiative for regional infrastructure, known as the Development Road Project, was launched some months ago.
· Meanwhile, Iraq is taking further steps towards leveraging its own natural resources more effectively and responsibly, thereby aiming to reduce energy waste and shore up its energy independence.
· Also, and importantly, to address the concerning issue of rapid drug proliferation, the Government has developed a National Strategy for the Prevention of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, among other measures.
Mr. President, I already briefly mentioned the recently adopted federal budget.
It charts an ambitious course for the country until the end of 2025 and includes allocations with the potential to address critical needs, such as infrastructure development and reconstruction.
Notably, this budget represents the highest proportionate allocation to the delivery of social services yet…
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