Ceremony at the Karbala Governorate Hall Speech

The Honourable Governor of Karbala, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

It is a great honour for me to be here with you today – for the first time – in the historic and inspiring Governorate of Karbala.

Allow me to express my appreciation to The Honourable Governor of Karbala, to the local Council, and other government representatives, and especially to the people of Karbala for the warm welcome and for their long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development in Iraq.

Karbala holds a unique place in the heart of this country, and of the world, not only for its deep spiritual and cultural significance, but also for the resilience and determination of its people.

Today, I wish to reaffirm FAO’s strong partnership with Karbala and with the Republic of Iraq.

I also take this opportunity to thank The Honourable Governor for his support and for facilitating the opening of FAO’s new office in Karbala – a step that will further strengthen our presence and support in Central Iraq.

We are proud to work hand in hand with national and local authorities to transform agrifood systems and deliver on the aspiration of the Four Betters - Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind – as set out in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

FAO looks forward to continuing working with Karbala, the whole Central Euphrates region, and across Iraq, to turn challenges into opportunities.

Challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, or climate pressures, for which we can find concrete, impactful solutions by working together.

Earlier today, I was very pleased to meet farmers, especially women farmers, and witnessing the launch of the Women’s Dairy Centre – this is not just a building, it is a symbol of progress, of inclusion, and of innovation.

Through the many projects we are implementing with partners across the country, we are introducing solar-powered irrigation, rehabilitating land, and empowering communities – especially women and youth – to become leaders of climate-smart agriculture.

We are also proud to collaborate on beekeeping digitization through the BeeData Initiative, promoting better practices, and better marketing opportunities for honey and hive products.

And through the Norwegian-funded Climate Resilience Programme, we are supporting Farmer Field Schools, rural processing units, and the inspiring work of Climate Wise Women – who are reshaping the future of their communities with courage and knowledge.

In the southern governorates, we are working with partners such as the European Union and the Global Environment Facility to promote climate-smart agriculture, improved land and water management, and the development of key value chains.

These interventions are helping thousands of rural families across Iraq's most climate-vulnerable areas.

Dear Friends,

Today, as we sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karbala, we are starting a new chapter in our collaboration.

This MoU is not just a document, it is a commitment to action, to investing in key value chains like dates, dairy, and honey, and to expand vocational training to create real economic opportunities through agriculture.

Karbala has great potential – and FAO is ready to continue this journey with you to leverage its full potential.

Let us work together to scale up these efforts, attract investment, and showcase Karbala’s unique products through global platforms like the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum and the FAO One Country One Priority Product Initiative.

Let us bring modern solutions to ancient lands, and deliver real, lasting change.

Thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your partnership.

Shukran!