5th Baghdad International Water Conference Opening Remarks

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to be here at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference.

We stand together in a region where the story of water is the story of civilization: where rivers gave rise to agriculture, food, trade, and culture.

In Iraq, water has an historical Legacy: Mesopotamia - "the land between two rivers" - was the cradle of ancient civilizations like the Sumer and Babylon.

Water management systems like its canals and qanats, underpin Iraq's identity, celebrated in art, literature, and religious texts.

Water features in Iraqi poetry and folklore as a life-giver and symbol of resilience, and annual festivals, such as the Booms of Basra (date harvest), highlight agrarian ties.

Iraq's agriculture sector – and its food security - rely heavily on water, with over 90 percent of Iraq's water used for irrigation, supporting staple food like wheat, barley, rice, and date palms.

Today, water is not just a chapter of history, it is the lifeline of our future.

Across the world, water is under pressure.

Demand is rising, droughts are intensifying, and competition for this essential resource is growing.

At FAO, we have elevated water as a strategic priority because we understand its transformative power.

Water is at the heart of agrifood systems – it sustains our food, crops, feeds our livestock, and supports millions of livelihoods.

This is why, since 2022, we have convened the Rome Water Dialogue, a platform where countries share practical solutions and successful experiences.  

In 2023, the FAO Ministerial Conference endorsed water as FAO’s Biennial theme for 2024-2025 – a recognition from Members of the recognition by the Ministers of Agriculture of the important role of water.

And this year, as we celebrate FAO’s 80th Anniversary, we are recognizing innovative water solutions from around the world at the next Rome Water Dialogue to be held during this year’s edition of the World Food Forum 2025 in October.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Addressing water scarcity and droughts requires science-based and integrated approaches.

When I addressed this water conference in 2021, I highlighted the potential of innovative technologies to address water challenges, not just through technology, but also by empowering countries and farmers.

Here in Iraq, FAO has been proud to support water efficiency through our WaPOR programme – an open-access portal using remote sensing to help farmers use water more efficiently.

In the West Gharraf irrigation area, we are working with the Ministry of Water Resources to improve water use and increase yields.

Last year, FAO supported Iraq in securing a USD 39 million project co-financed by the Green Climate Fund to modernize irrigation systems, strengthen Water User Associations, promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, and develop efficient and effective water and energy management policies.  

Iraq is not alone. This region is a cradle of innovative water solutions and technologies, and we are seeing progress across the region:

In Tunisia, WaPOR remote sensing tools are helping farmers schedule irrigation more precisely.

In Egypt, solar-powered irrigation is delivering affordable, sustainable water access.

And in Morocco, collective micro-irrigation systems are boosting water efficiency and crop quality.

We cannot stop here! 

Water scarcity and climate shocks are increasing.  We must act with speed, scale and determination.

First, we must ensure that water technologies are affordable and accessible.

Second, we must strengthen local capacity and empower farmers – especially youth and women.

Third, we must scale-up what works, from smart irrigation to sustainable energy, through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, our innovative Farmer Field Schools programme, and other knowledge and training programmes.

FAO is committed to continuing to provide reliable data, technical expertise and strategic partnerships.

Dear Friends,

Without sustainable water management, Iraq risks losing 20-50 percent of wheat and barley yields by 2050, increasing its reliance on volatile global markets.

Disappearing water resources threaten to erase millennia-old traditions, displacing communities and cutting ties to historical landscapes.

Water is existential for Iraq, interlinking survival, identity, and sovereignty.

Preserving water heritage is vital to maintaining Iraq's historical legacy and social cohesion.

Together, we can support those most in need to achieve the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life - leaving no one behind.

Thank you for your attention.