DOHA, Sunday, March 5, 2023 (WAFA) – With the participation of President Mahmoud Abbas, the 5th UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) kick-started today in the Qatari capital of Doha, and is scheduled to last from 5 to 9 March 2023.
Over the next five days in Doha, government leaders and other stakeholders are set to assess the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, and mobilize additional international support and action for the world’s 46 least developed countries, the UN said.
President Abbas is scheduled to deliver a speech before the conference in which he will address the escalation of crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settlers against our people, as well as the continued impunity of Israel, the occupying state, from accountability.
The UN Secretary-General is also due to address the conference and has already highlighted the importance of supporting LDCs.
The conference aims to mobilize international community’s commitments to overcome structural challenges, eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals.
The LDC Summit is normally held every 10 years but has twice been postponed since 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Emir of Qatar: Grave challenges are facing the world
Speaking at the opening remarks, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, said the Conference of the Least Developed Countries convenes its fifth session amid the grave challenges presently facing the world as a result of new international conflicts, the global food security crisis, the climate change phenomenon, and the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is incumbent on us to contemplate these challenges as we plan for a shared future for our peoples and countries over the next decade of the existence of the least developed countries. Millions of people in these countries are still burdened with poverty, and lack of food besides health care and education,” said Skeikh Tamim.
He added that the conference is being held while our brothers in Turkey and Syria are still suffering from the impacts of the massive earthquake disaster that struck them and affected millions of people.
“I confirm on behalf of all of us our solidarity with our brothers in Turkey and Syria, I urge everyone to support Turkey’s efforts to surpass the effects of this disaster. I stress the necessity of giving a helping hand without hesitation to the brotherly Syrian people. As I wonder at the delay in the arrival of aid to this people, I stress that exploiting a human tragedy for political purposes is unacceptable.”
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