Erbil… New UNICEF Director recieved

Today, Tuesday, July 16, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, received Ms. Peta Barnes, the new Supervisor and Director of UNICEF in Erbil, at the Governorate office.
 

During the meeting, which was attended by Naz Jalal, Director of the EJCC in Erbil Governorate, the visiting delegation, expressed their gratitude to the governor and presented their upcoming work plan. They explained that their future efforts will be aimed at development, with a special emphasis on the children's sector, education, health, and environmental and water initiatives.
 

On behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Erbil Governorate, the Governor congratulated Ms. Peta Barnes on her new role. He pledged the governorate's full partnership and cooperation to ensure her mission's success, praising UNICEF's respected legacy and impactful projects. As a prime example, he highlighted the water recycling project in Sami Abdulrahman Park, calling it an "outstanding achievement."

The Governor of Erbil highlighted several key sectors where work is ongoing. He noted that despite fiscal challenges imposed on the Region, the governorate has managed to sustain strategic projects with local revenue. He cited key initiatives such as the rapid response water project—backed by the KRG Prime Minister—which now delivers 20,000 cubic meters of clean water to the city and its surroundings. He also pointed to a strategic project ensuring 24-hour electricity for residents and various initiatives aimed at expanding green spaces, including a green belt and new parks.
 

The Governor of Erbil also requested that UNICEF expand its programs and projects, noting that the objectives of their work are shared and closely aligned. Therefore, he expressed great interest in UNICEF placing more emphasis on the capital, Erbil, and in broadening the coordination between them.