The Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) concluded on Thursday with countries adopting concrete measures to implement the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) - which aims to renew and strengthen commitments between LDCs and their development partners - marking a transformative turning point for the world's most vulnerable countries.
The Doha Political Declaration was adopted to a round of applause in the plenary hall of the Qatar National Convention Centre, where LDC5 has been under way since 5 March.
Ushering in new era of solidarity, and enormous socio-economic benefits for world's Least Developed Countries, today's action comes nearly one year after the DPoA was adopted at the first part of the Conference on 17 March 2022 in New York.
The Declaration outlines measures to promote transformation and unlock the potential of LDCs, including the development of a system of reserves or alternative means, ranging from cash transfers to comprehensive multi-hazard crisis mitigation and resilience-building measures for the least developed countries.
"The commitments and responsibilities do not stop and start with the signing of the documents or attending Conferences. They must be integral to our efforts towards 2030 and extend for the full decade," said Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations at the closing plenary meeting.
'We must go further still'
She pointed out that the five key deliverables from the DPoA - an online university, a graduation support package, a food stock holding solution, an investment support centre, and a crisis mitigation and resilience building mechanism - "will answer key challenges facing the LDCs, and set the path for a more prosperous, equitable future".
"But success is not automatic. But we must go further still," stressed Ms. Mohammed. "To achieve these deliverables, LDCs will need massive financing - at scale, and directed where it matters most."
She noted that Secretary-General António Guterres had earlier proposed reforms to the international financial architecture, alongside an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion a year, to direct resources towards long-term sustainable development and just transitions. This funding could help LDCs tackle issues that are preventing them from realizing their potential.
"If we are to have any hope of achieving the SDGs, we must put first those who are furthest behind on their development journeys," stated the UN deputy chief.
While in Doha, Ms. Mohammed also, engaged with Government officials, civil society representatives and UN Resident Coordinators from around the world. In her meetings, she underscored the importance of crisis mitigation and increasing resilience for LDCs, with the DPoA as the blueprint to uplift the most vulnerable countries.
