Monitoring Committee on Japanese Official Development Assistance in Iraq celebrates milestone 50th meeting

January 30, 2023
“Continuity is essential, and UNDP Iraq is honoured  to work closely with the Monitoring Committee on the Japanese Official Development Assistance, thanks to strong commitments of the governments of Iraq and Japan. I reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to both governments in enabling a better business environment and public services for the people of Iraq”, says UNDP Iraq Resident Representative, Mr. Auke Lootsma.

Photo: The 50th Monitoring Committee Meeting, January 2023

Supporting the people and Government of Iraq to build forward better is a priority for both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan. On 19 January 2023, the 50th meeting of the Monitoring Committee on the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan Projects was celebrated.  The first meeting of the committee was held on 22 July 2008 in Baghdad, and to this day, the committee acts as a joint monitoring platform between the Government of Iraq and the Government of Japan/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to ensure accountability and transparency as well as to facilitate and expedite project implementation.

JICA and the Government of Iraq have signed 33 loan agreements amounting to over USD $9 billion to support socio-economic infrastructure projects in various sectors from 2008-2022. UNDP serves as the secretariat of the committee and monitoring agent to ensure the smooth implementation of ODA projects under JICA-UNDP partnership.  The Monitoring Committee provides support to assist Iraqi line ministries in tackling and addressing associated issues in a timely and sound manner to ensure the promotion of sustainable growth in Iraq.

Photo: Berth Extension at Khor Al Zubair Port - Basra, November 2022, implemented under Japan’s ODA Port Sector Rehabilitation Project – Phase II.

Through Official Development Assistance Loans, the Government of Japan has supported numerous projects across several vital sectors in Iraq, including electricity, water, sewerage, irrigation, industry, transportation, and telecommunications. Further to infrastructure projects, capacity development support from UNDP Iraq ensures proper maintenance and procedural compliance before, during, and after project implementation.   

Photo: Suction Pond of Pump Station in Badra - Wassit Governorate, March 2017, implemented under Japan’s ODA Irrigation Sector Loan Project