World Bank - Iraq Reform and Reconstruction Fund

The World Bank's Iraq Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Fund (I3RF) aims to create a platform for coordinated funding and dialogue for the reconstruction and development of Iraq, with focus on improving the effectiveness of public investment in socio-economic recovery, reconstruction, supporting national reform efforts for economic diversification and private sector growth. After years of armed conflict, the need for funding for the recovery and reconstruction of Iraq is big. In total, the cost of recovery and reconstruction is estimated at $ 88 billion. The Iraqi government has developed a Recovery, Reconstruction and Development Plan (RRDP), which includes the establishment of a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MTDF). Its aim is to effectively co-finance international partners to support effective investment, facilitate dialogue, share information and coordinate Iraq's reform program, which forms the basis of the I3RF, whose objectives, structure and scope are closely aligned with the RRDP. The work takes place in close contact with the Iraqi government, donors and INGOs. I3RF's activities will be carried out by the Iraqi government, organizations, and VB to enable maximum response to reforms and reconstruction needs and to ensure national political ownership. To ensure that there is also a sense and will for ownership within the framework of the fund's results, the I3RF Secretariat has facilitated the creation of a policy document (White Paper) by the Iraqi government, with feedback from donors, which will be a leading document for the government's plan to tackle reform issues within the framework of the fund. The fund has three overall areas of activity, Socio-economic recovery, with a focus on the reconstruction of urban areas; institution building; development of social capital; rehabilitation of cultural heritage; improving the provision of services to people in poverty and vulnerability; and the creation of job opportunities for vulnerable groups. Economic diversification and private sector development, including technical advice and dialogue in trade and investment policy reforms; support for the financial sector and banking reform; improving the environment for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups by increasing the availability of borrowing opportunities. Coordination and program support, support for strengthened capacity of the Iraqi government to plan, coordinate and follow up reconstruction programs. Within the strategy for Sweden's cooperation with the World Bank Group (VBG) 2020-2023, which Sida's support will follow, there are four priority areas: 1. Inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development; 2. Environment and climate; 3. Gender equality; 4. Peace and state building. All four areas are integrated within the framework of I3RF, and Sida will, through dialogue with VB, work to ensure that these areas are prioritized in the projects. Within the Iraq strategy, Sweden must also prioritize co-operation that promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. In addition, the fund will support the Country Partnership Framework (CPF)'s overarching theme, which aims to "prioritize the inclusion of the poor and vulnerable with special emphasis on women and girls, youth and internally displaced persons".