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The Peninsula
The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) concluded yesterday at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) after five days of intense discussions, high-level sessions, meetings and lectures. At the end of the Conference, it was announced on the floor of the plenary session that the Doha Political Declaration would be adopted to reinforce the international commitment to the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).
The Declaration, which recognised the shortcomings of the Istanbul Programme of Action, states that the Heads of State and Governments and representatives“strongly commit ourselves to the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action throughout the coming decade, including its six priority areas, and advancing the concrete deliverables outlined therein, with respect to exploring the feasibility of a system of stockholding or alternative means, such as cash transfers; an online university or other equivalent platforms; an international investment support centre; a sustainable graduation support facility; and comprehensive multi-hazard crisis mitigation and resilience-building measures for least developed countries.”
“We reiterate our support for the Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries in strengthening the science, technology and innovation capacity of least developed countries for structural transformation and productive capacity development.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Qatar H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi while addressing the closing session, said the Declaration and the DPoA are a heritage for Qatar and a rallying call for the international community to show its commitment to LDCs. Muraikhi said Qatar would place the LDC issues on the international stage and is poised to host midterm reviews of the Conference to ensure policies are being implemented.
According to the Minister, Qatar's happy to host conferences like this, adding that the outcome of the LDC5 discussions will accelerate achieving the desired results for all nations.
Meanwhile, the President of Malawi and Chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, H E Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, thanked H H the Amir and Qatar for hosting an exceptional Conference he called a springboard for action. He also added that H H the Amir showed the value of matching words with deeds, displayed in his opening address where he committed financial support towards implementing the Doha Programme of Action.
“Let me stress that this Conference has passed two key tests of any such gathering. Firstly, it's been a triumph of style and substance and a stunning success in its own right held in beautiful facilities with faultless organization,” Chakwera said.
“Secondly, it has given us a plan, new resources and fresh momentum for the years ahead once we leave these halls; Truly a springboard for action.
Chakwera said while the chances of countries reaching the Sustainable Development Goals had taken several hits in recent years, there is still a need for more robust and deeper partnerships, working amongst the LDCs to address“our common challenges and on financing for development.”
He called on developed countries to fulfil their commitment to allocate 0.15% and 0.20% of their GDP as ODA (Official Development Assistance) for the least developed countries.
“If this and other promises in the areas of trade, foreign direct investment and technology transfer can be honoured, then we will leave with fresh hope that the DPoA will be fully implemented,” he added.