Partnership Announcement: ITC and KESK Join Forces for Green Solutions in Iraq

The BEIT project aims to create quality jobs by fostering the development of affordable and sustainable housing in Iraq.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and the World Trade Organization, has partnered with KESK, Iraq's leading green tech company, to promote trustworthy, accessible, and affordable smart green solutions. This collaboration is part of ITC's Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) project, funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Objectives of BEIT Project

The BEIT project aims to create quality jobs by fostering the development of affordable and sustainable housing in Iraq. Specifically, ITC will enhance the capacities of local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector, with a focus on young entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promoting green and innovative practices in business operations.

Letter of Intent Signing

Eric Buchot, Representative and Head of ITC Country Programme in Iraq, and Basima Abdulrahman, Founder and CEO of KESK, formalized the partnership by signing a letter of intent.

Strategic Importance of Collaboration

Eric Buchot emphasized the strategic significance of the collaboration, highlighting the goal of promoting climate-smart solutions and housing retrofits for middle-income households in Iraq. This partnership aims to reinforce the capabilities of local businesses, particularly young entrepreneurs, in adopting sustainable and innovative construction technologies.

KESK's Vision

Basima Abdulrahman, Founder and CEO of KESK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with KESK's mission to build a greener future for Iraq. She underscored the importance of empowering Iraqi businesses, especially youth and small enterprises, to embrace sustainable practices. Together, ITC and KESK aim to lay the groundwork for resilience and prosperity in Iraq through environmentally conscious solutions.

Supporting Iraqi Youth

This collaboration represents a significant step towards supporting Iraqi youth by providing training, mentorship, and resources in the housing and construction sector. By leveraging green technologies and innovative approaches, ITC and KESK are contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of Iraq.