On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Coordinator for International Advocacy Dindar Zebari hosted a dinner gathering with representatives from various UN agencies and organizations working within the Kurdistan Region, briefing them on KRG goals and international human rights plans.

The dinner included representatives from the World Food Program, the International Organization for Migration, the UN Development Program, the International Labor Organization, UN Volunteers, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, and UN-Habitat.

Tonight’s dinner underscores KRG’s strong partnership with UN agencies in advancing KRG’s Action Plan for Human Rights (2021-2025). The KRG remains committed to UPR process, collaborating on reforms, strengthening institutions, and upholding international human rights standards. pic.twitter.com/nbEwpdjT25

— Dr. Dindar Zebari (@KRG_Coordinator) February 12, 2025

Read More: Advancing Human Rights in the Kurdistan Region

“Tonight’s dinner underscores KRG’s strong partnership with UN agencies in advancing KRG’s Action Plan for Human Rights (2021-2025). The KRG remains committed to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, collaborating on reforms, strengthening institutions, and upholding international human rights standards,” Zebari posted on X.

During the event, Zebari outlined the KRG’s ongoing efforts to align its work with international recommendations in the areas of human development, human rights, and good governance. He emphasized the government’s commitment to these goals, sharing relevant data and statistics to underscore the progress made.

Read More: KRG to Be Represented at UN Human Rights Review in Geneva

Additionally, Zebari highlighted their participation in the 48th UPR Course, where he delivered a speech on behalf of the KRG and emphasized the government’s dedication to international recommendations, backed by measurable outcomes.

Today Feb 12, OCIA honored to host a dinner with esteemed representatives from @UNAMInews, @UNDP, @UNHCR, @WFP, @UNVolunteers, @IOM, @UNIDO, @UNHABITAT and @ILO. Strengthening cooperation on human rights, governance, and sustainable development remains a key priority for the KRG. pic.twitter.com/UhwPllQuC3

— Dr. Dindar Zebari (@KRG_Coordinator) February 12, 2025

The discussions also focused on the significant positive impact of UN agencies and organizations in the Kurdistan Region across various sectors. Zebari noted that the coordinating office has successfully collaborated with UN agencies in the past to support the region’s development.

Read More: UNAMI Chief Visits Kurdistan, Discusses Erbil-Baghdad Relations

Furthermore, the importance of the continued presence of the UN in Iraq was acknowledged, with particular emphasis on expanding the Human Rights Office and maintaining its role in the Kurdistan Region. In May 2024, Iraq requested that the UN mission end by the end of 2025.

The KRG official underlined that the UN presence was viewed as crucial to strengthening the region’s commitment to human rights.