On July 20, the leaders of 24 nations convened in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of State to bring increased attention to the ongoing needs in Iraq and the need to support the Iraqi people.
The United States, co-hosted this effort with Canada, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and Kuwait to raise more than $2 billion to help Iraqis in four priority areas including: direct humanitarian aid to alleviate crisis immediately; demining assistance; immediate help for communities recently freed from Daesh; and expanded stabilization aimed at aiding in Iraq's long-term recovery.
Secretary Kerry emphasized that while the international community has made progress toward helping Iraq respond to the threat posed by Daesh, reclaiming occupied territory, and assisting in caring for survivors, it is important that we continue to recognize the danger Daesh continues to present and the remaining challenges.
He also stressed that it is in our interest to give tangible support to the Iraqi government as it works to pursue much-needed reforms. Working to build more inclusive institutions and helping instill hope among Iraqi citizens writ large are critical measures, he noted, because ultimately the future of Iraq is going to be determined by the people of Iraq.
Read Secretary Kerry's remarks at the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq.
Read Secretary Kerry's remarks with the Co-Chairs of the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at the press availability in support of the Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.