Iraq, UNDP sign MoU to combat corruption

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the public and private sectors, according to a statement issued by the UNDP.

By signing this MoU, the Iraqi government, represented by the Prime Minister’s Office, and the UNDP reaffirmed their partnership and commitment to preventing and combating corruption in Iraq, the statement mentioned.

The MoU, signed for a two-year period, builds on UNDP’s current support to respond to anti-corruption priorities in Iraq, including capacity development of anti-corruption bodies and support to strategic and legal frameworks in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the statement explained.

Joint efforts will also focus on creating an enabling environment for constructive dialogue with civil society, the private sector, academia, and media on reporting corruption, and empowering key national stakeholders to play a stronger role in enhancing transparency and accountability systems, the statement elaborated.

While attending the signing ceremony, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, affirmed that countering corruption through enhanced transparency and public accountability is one of the most important priorities of his government, the statement illustrated.

Al-Sudani also thanked UNDP and all international development partners for their support to Iraq in this field, the statement clarified.

Combating corruption is imperative for progress towards the sustainable development goals, including job creation, protecting the environment, increasing gender equality, and supporting access to basic services, the statement added.