Context:
Many provincial and municipal authorities in Iraq are unable to provide their citizens with reliable basic services such as drinking water and administrative services. At the same time, cities are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, rapid growth and social inequalities. Weak local governance and extensive centralisation are hindering the advancement of democratic structures in Iraq, as well as the establishment of a functioning, modern public administration in cities and municipalities. This also involves creating opportunities for citizens’ political participation and ensuring that public administration is citizen-centric and effective.
Objective:
Cities and municipalities in selected Iraqi provinces provide public services to the population efficiently, with a citizen-centric, climate-resilient approach.
Approach:
The project focuses on four priority areas: It advises national and local authorities on modernising administrative processes, improving coordination and implementing reforms effectively. It supports municipalities, districts and provinces in standardising and digitising administrative procedures, expanding citizen service centres and establishing feedback and complaints mechanisms. The focus is on improved drinking water supply and administrative services. The project advises small and medium-sized cities on how to better prepare for and consider climate risks, such as extreme heat, in their planning. At the same time, citizen participation formats are to be established and embedded in order to better involve residents and the private sector. Furthermore, the project advises city and municipal administrations on modern budget planning. It supports them in considering the needs of disadvantaged groups and the impacts of climate change when making investments, thereby increasing resilience in the long term.