LocationsFollowing the Facts: Investigative Journalism and Environmental Justice in Iraq
June 25, 2026
Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq – June 2026 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, with funding from the European Union, completed a series of specialised training workshops in Baghdad and Erbil for investigative journalists and staff of the Federal Commission of Integrity and the Commission of Integrity in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The workshops aimed to strengthen accountability of environmental justice issues by enhancing both investigative reporting and institutional communication on issues of public interest.
Parallel sessions were delivered for officers from the Federal Commission of Integrity and the Commission of Integrity in the Kurdistan Region, focusing on institutional communication and effective engagement with investigative media. Participants explored international best practices for communicating with journalists, media engagement protocols, and practical techniques for developing clear, accurate, and strategic messages.
The workshops are part of UNDP’s Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives for Environmental Justice project (ACAI II). The project seeks to strengthen governance and judicial credibility in Iraq by improving anti-corruption enforcement, enhancing access to justice, and promoting environmental integrity and sustainable governance.
Speaking during the opening session, UNDP highlighted the essential role of investigative journalism in serving the public interest by uncovering facts, exposing issues of public concern, and enabling citizens to access reliable and credible information. Investigative journalists play a critical role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability by bringing evidence-based reporting to the forefront of public discourse. At the same time, effective institutional communication helps public institutions engage openly and responsibly with the media, contributing to greater public trust and informed dialogue.
The workshops form part of a broader initiative to strengthen investigative reporting networks in Iraq while promoting constructive collaboration between journalists, public institutions, civil society organizations, and regional partners. Through targeted training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the initiative will support journalists in producing high-quality investigations on corruption, environmental degradation, access to information, and environmental justice, while helping public institutions strengthen transparent and professional communication practices.
One of the participants said: "This workshop shifted our perspective from merely reporting events to investigating and uncovering the truth. It helped us develop an investigative mindset, understand the importance of working with data, and recognize the critical role of source protection in journalism."
Another participant said: "The workshop filled important knowledge gaps, particularly on environmental and climate justice, legal frameworks, and investigative journalism. I found the AI-powered data analysis tools especially useful for future investigations. The sessions on developing investigative hypotheses and selecting reliable sources were among the most valuable parts of the training."
