As a three-day international reconstruction conference got underway in Kuwait, officials were seeking pledges from donors and investors to restore Iraq’s devastated homes, schools, hospitals and economic infrastructure. Aid groups made pledges of $330 million on the first day of the conference, but officials said much more was needed. Planning Minister Salman al-Jumaili said an assessment by Iraqi and international experts put reconstruction costs at $88.2 billion. Urgent investments neededUN agencies Unicef and UN-Habitat called for urgent investment to restore basic infrastructure and services for children and families. We will also be there in the reconstruction phase,” Le Drian said after landing in Baghdad.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 12, 2018 14:37 UTC