Denmark contributes 24 million kroner to support peace in Iraq, and the United Nations welcomes the move.
According to the United Nations website, the United Nations Development Programme in Iraq welcomes a contribution of 24 million Danish kroner (US$3.4 million) from the Government of Denmark to support the implementation of the Social Cohesion Programme in Iraq.
The UNDP’s Social Cohesion Programme in Iraq strengthens the institutional frameworks for peacebuilding and social cohesion in Iraq. The programme supports national capacities to implement the National Strategy for Preventing Violent Extremism and supports local peace infrastructure mechanisms, including local peace committees, community leaders, community organizations, and youth and women’s peace groups.
The program works with the Iraqi government, local partners and peace actors to address the divisions that still exist in Iraq following the conflict with ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
According to the Danish Ambassador to Iraq, Stig Paulo Piras, “Improving understanding and trust between different social groups and between citizens and the state will benefit the government, civil society and local communities that unite around a national vision for peace and social cohesion in Iraq.“.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Denmark, our steadfast partner in social cohesion interventions in Iraq, for this important contribution,“ said Zena Ali Ahmed, UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq. “Our ongoing partnership focuses on encouraging peaceful and cohesive communities in Iraq towards lasting solutions for reintegration and stability.”.
It is worth noting that the UNDP's Social Cohesion Programme was launched in Iraq for five years in January 2020 to promote stronger, more peaceful and cohesive communities in all regions of Iraq.
