Baghdad/Erbil, Iraq – September 2026

As part of the Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives for Environmental Justice (ACAI II) project, funded by the European Union, UNDP Iraq has brought together public institutions and practitioners to explore how stronger environmental governance and anti-corruption can advance environmental justice and support sustainable development.

At the heart of the workshops is environmental justice: ensuring that people are treated fairly in decisions affecting their environment, have meaningful opportunities to participate in environmental decision-making, and can access information, justice and effective remedies. This also means protecting communities and groups that may be particularly vulnerable to environmental harm.

The workshops, held in Baghdad and Erbil between 13 – 17 September 2026, highlighted the important role of anti-corruption and environmental integrity in achieving these objectives. Greater transparency, accountability and integrity can help ensure that environmental decisions are evidence-based, responsive to the public interest and implemented effectively.

Discussions are supported by the Practical Handbook on Anti-Corruption for Environmental Justice, developed under ACAI II. The Handbook brings together international principles, standards and practical approaches on environmental governance, environmental justice, human rights, anti-corruption and environmental integrity.

Participants explored how international frameworks and approaches, including the Rio Declaration, Aarhus Convention, UN Framework Principles on Human Rights and the Environment, and UNDP's Approach to Environmental Justice, can be applied in the Iraqi context to strengthen institutions, reduce corruption risks, protect environmental rights and support sustainable development.

Through ACAI II, UNDP Iraq and the European Union continue to support Iraqi institutions in strengthening integrity and accountability in environmental governance and advancing environmental justice for all.