Accountability in Environmental Governance

I was thrilled to participate in the Youth for Accountability in Environmental Governance (YAEG) program hosted by the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS). At the workshop we focused on critical environmental issues facing Iraq; these issues included water resource management, and importantly, we examined the complexities of our governing systems to ascertain an understanding of addressing these challenges.

Throughout the YAEG program, we engaged with government officials, researchers, and decision-makers where they shared insightful experiences to help us have a fuller understanding of the environmental issues we face from the position of governance. Our discussions centered around pressing concerns like water scarcity, the urgent need for improved water treatment infrastructure, and the complexities of international negotiations surrounding water resources. These conversations underscored the interconnectedness of environmental policy and effective governance.

During the program, I was selected to create and present a case study, where I chose to focus on the pervasive issue of illegal dumping and deficient waste management in my home city, Kirkuk, where we find our city chronically poisoning its residents with large volumes of waste on the streets and unabated garbage burning by residents and businesses. This problem is multidimensional, and has broad and long-lasting effects, with devastating negative harms on society, detrimental health effects, substantial economic harms, among many important dimensions, all which are interlinked. The pernicious yet common practice of burning waste which releases extremely harmful toxins and carcinogens – essentially poisoning our communities, unabated, is especially concerning.

With that in mind, every problem may have many pathways to a positive resolution, and I not only presented the problem, but proposed tangible and realistic evidence-based solutions, focusing on an integrated approach where multiple levels of government, agencies, and stakeholders may work together synergistically with communities to address this problem and all its dimensions. I also used this as an opportunity to present the concept of circular economy, emphasizing how waste is reduced through creating a continuous flow of material use and reuse at every level and stage. Through my presentation, I wanted to ensure that we not only present a problem, but realistic solutions, as I strongly believe that our communities need problem solvers, where emphasis is placed on creating and implementing well researched, evidence-based policies, guidelines, reforms, and laws to address our challenges.

Reflecting back, I’m thankful for the YAEG program in what it is attempting to do, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet so many likeminded and wonderful individuals across multiple sectors, who all wish to work towards creating more sustainable, clean, and healthy communities, many who are working tirelessly to address these problems. Their commitment leaves me feeling both inspired and determined to play an active role in shaping a sustainable future. It is said that peace is built when one generation plants trees whose shade they may never live to see. With that in mind, our communities require short and long-term planning and solution to be executed, we must work selflessly, making tremendous and continuous effort, to ensure that ours and the future generation do not suffer the consequences of yesterday’s and today’s actions.