Mr. Shaddad added:
“We thank UNDP for providing technical and logistic support during the whole process. We followed the mandate of the Committee in the plan to ensure control over the operations of oil companies and play an effective legislative role.”
Formulating the strategic plan followed a participatory approach, engaging respective stakeholders in rounds of consultation meetings and a concluding three-day workshop in Basra. Participants were members of the Provincial Council and Committee for Oil and Gas, Director of the Governorate’s Energy Department, together with representatives of the Basra Oil and Gas University, technical colleges and institutes, and experts.
They identified and tackled challenges that ranged from political dynamics, to economic and environmental aspects, to social complexities such as tribal conflicts, minorities and ethnic differences, as well as technology constraints.
The key objectives of the strategic plan are to set up the Governorate’s vision for supporting the development of the oil and gas sector in Basra, generating employment especially for youth, whilst considering related social and environmental impacts. The plan further promises a framework of cooperation with stakeholders that can only develop such a big and complicated sector.
UNDP Head of Basra Office, Mr. Thair Shraideh, said:
“This new strategic plan will serve as an essential guiding tool that the Provincial Council of Basra can rely on for years to come. UNDP will continue to provide technical support contributing to the effective management of an important sector that can be utilized for human development.”
(Source: UNDP in Iraq)
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