The Current Status of the Indicators of the Sixth Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq and Future Prospects

Abstract

          Iraq relies heavily on surface water, with most of its resources originating from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries. Sustainable Development Goal 6 focuses on improving water resources and sanitation facilities, and the need for increased investment in the management of water and sanitation ecosystems. This research examines the current state of Goal 6 indicators in Iraq, their achievements, and the primary causes of the water crisis in the country. ​​In addition to exploring the future of the water sector, the research focuses on the question of how much progress has been made in achieving the goals and indicators of the sixth goal? The research utilized a descriptive analytical approach to delineate the current state of the sixth goal indicators in Iraq, aiming to comprehend this reality and subsequently devise future solutions that foster the evolution of these indicators towards the desired outcome. The research yielded significant findings, notably that the proportion of the population benefiting from safely managed drinking water services was 61% in 2022. This percentage is far from reaching the 2030 target if efforts continue at the current pace. The percentage of wastewater flows safely treated in Iraq reached 42% in 2022, while the same percentage in Qatar and Kuwait was 100% and in the UAE was 95%. The study recommended that work should be done to modernize the water infrastructure, replace old water lines and pipes, and activate water quality control systems using modern technology to ensure the availability of clean and stable water, as well as work on the development of sewage networks and wastewater treatment using advanced treatment plants, which leads to reducing pollution and improving public health, as well as investing in recycling technology and the safe use of treated water, which reduces pressure on freshwater resources.