The State of Qatar affirmed that it looks forward to further strengthening its constructive and positive relationship with Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and to move forward with meaningful partnerships that stimulate inclusive economic growth, job creation, and recovery.
This came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered by Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Thani, before the Second Committee on item (23) concerned with “Groups of Countries on Special Situations,” and item (27) “Towards Global Partnerships.”
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that Qatar joins the statement made on behalf of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China, and commends the appreciated efforts of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) in mobilizing support to meet the needs of groups of countries in special situations.
He added that Qatar has always been a true strategic partner in responding to the growing needs and challenges, and is proud of its track record in the field of international cooperation and joint action. Also, Qatar has allocated a large part of its international development assistance to the least developed countries, and has supported the efforts of many countries and local and international organizations to respond urgently to the COVID-19 pandemic, with contributions that excess $140 million, he noted.
He went to say that out of the State of Qatar’s recognition of the rapid pace of risks posed by climate change and the importance of cooperation to support countries facing particular challenges in this area, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced at the UN Climate Action Summit, held in September 2019, Qatar’s contribution of $100 million to support small island developing states and the least developed countries, adding that Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) mobilizes support to promote green growth, and works alongside its strategic partners to help these countries implement strategies and programs to deal with climate change.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed Qatar’s pride in hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) scheduled to be held in Doha from Jan. 23-27, 2022. He noted that the State of Qatar is looking forward to continuing cooperation with all partners in the preparatory process leading up to the conference, and is pleased that preparations for the conference are proceeding as intended.
The Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations said that as the Secretary-General’s report under this item indicated, Qatar is certain that this conference will provide a unique opportunity to formulate an ambitious multi-level path to recovery from the pandemic, at the time the least developed countries chart the path towards sustainable development for the next decade
He explained that in light of the scale and exceptional nature of the current challenges, Qatar is confident that the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least developed countries ((LDC5) will be held at a historical turning point and will be a positive impetus to mobilize more support to enhance the capacities of the least developed countries, their quest to recover from the pandemic and build resilient societies facing emerging challenges, forging ambitious, innovative, and forward-looking partnerships.
He continued that the State of Qatar is looking forward to the Doha Work Programme for the next decade, which will build on the lessons learned from the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA), as an important pillar for making concerted efforts to raise the level of ambition, support a path leading to sustainable graduation from the status of least developed countries, and create the necessary conditions to ensure an acceleration of development to achieve growth and prosperity.
HE also stressed that Qatar will spare no effort to ensure that the conference will be a milestone in meeting the aspirations of millions of people living in the most vulnerable countries in the world.
He believed that while attention was focused on the effects of the pandemic and ways to recover from it, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable recovery for all, and in particular for groups of countries facing special situations, would not be possible without activating global partnerships, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and ensuring that vaccines were a global benefit for all.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Thani emphasised that the State of Qatar will continue its leadership role and the spirit of initiative and cooperation that it was known for, in order to move forward in achieving common goals.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs