Toyota

Erbil, Iraq, 28 November 2024

UN-Habitat Iraq and Toyota Iraq formalized a new partnership during a signing ceremony at Toyota Iraq’s office in Erbil. The newly launched initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and living standards for approximately 9,000 residents of the Japan Village and surrounding neighborhoods in Mosul. The project includes the installation of solar streetlights and the construction of a multi-purpose sports court, promoting safety, community engagement, and environmentally friendly solutions. 

Toyota Iraq pledged its commitment to adopt specific components of the Japan Village Project, including the installation of 32 solar streetlights along the main streets of the complex and the construction of a multi-purpose sports court for recreational and community activities. 

“Toyota Iraq is proud to contribute to this significant initiative. Solar lighting provides a sustainable solution to ensure safety, especially for women and children, while the sports court encourages healthy activities and community interaction. The idea is to make people happy and feel safe,” said Mr. Tanimoto Tadashi, CEO of Toyota Iraq. 

The Japan Village Project, funded by the Government of Japan, supports the Mosul Master Plan to develop that strategic area to accommodate returnees and reintegrate displaced families. It provides not only housing solutions but also workforce training in sustainable construction practices and climate resilience strategies, resulting in durable solutions and long-term development. 

Upon completion, the management of the multi-purpose court and maintenance of the solar streetlights will be handed over to the local the local authorities. Representing the Ninewa governorate, Mr. Ahmed Younis, Assistant Governor for Planning, emphasized Toyota Iraq’s valuable contribution to the project. He stated, “The Ninewa Governorate appreciates Toyota’s investment in improving the quality of life for the people of Mosul. This sets a strong example of how the private sector can partner to support development initiatives like the Japan Village Project. We are committed to maintaining this initiative and will explore ways to replicate the implementation of solar streetlighting and sports facilities in other areas of the governorate.” 

The improvements funded by Toyota Iraq align with UN-Habitat’s New Urban Agenda principles, which promote safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces. These spaces encourage social interaction, economic activity, and cultural expression while advancing sustainable urban development in Mosul and Ninewa. 

In the opportunity, Mr. Muslim Qazimi, Head of the UN-Habitat Iraq Country Programme, said: “UN-Habitat welcomes Toyota Iraq’s contributions and this first engagement by Japanese private sector companies in our efforts to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships, encouraging private sector involvement in urban recovery and development initiatives in Iraq.” 

The collaboration between Toyota Iraq and UN-Habitat Iraq under the project “Enhancing Sustainable Development and Community Resilience in Post-Conflict Areas – Complementary Components for the Japan Village Project” represents a pioneering step in engaging the Japanese private sector in UN-Habitat’s urban recovery efforts in Iraq.