New York: The State of Qatar has affirmed its aspiration to host the High-Level Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA MTR) in March 2027, as a positive step to enhance cooperation with the least developed countries and support their efforts in addressing challenges.
This came in a statement delivered by Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the joint thematic event on the midterm review of the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency began her statement by noting that the event provided a vital platform for discussing critical issues and exchanging visions and ambitious aspirations regarding the goals of the High-Level Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries, scheduled to be held in Doha from March 25 to 27.
She pointed out that the discussions highlighted the interconnected challenges facing the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), reviewed the progress made in implementing the Doha Programme of Action within the current global development landscape, and addressed the obstacles hindering implementation, including energy insecurity, structural fragility, worsening debt situations, fragile infrastructure, and the need to build resilience to climate change and disaster risks.
Her Excellency commended the valuable contributions and broad participation that characterized the event, reflecting the paramount importance of advancing the Doha Programme of Action and its pivotal role in supporting growth and prosperity in the LDCs.
She also noted that Qatar's hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the LDCs embodies its unwavering commitment to supporting the issues of these countries and reflects its leading role in hosting major international events under the auspices of the United Nations.
Her Excellency pointed that the conference was characterized by positive momentum and reflected a genuine desire to provide the LDCs with ambitious measures and innovative global partnerships.
In this context, She reiterated that translating the ambitious measures and commitments embodied in the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs into practical actions is of paramount importance to achieving the desired transformation.
Her Excellency highlighted that Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, signed two agreements last year with the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, within the framework of the Doha Programme of Action, with a contribution of USD 21 million.
These agreements aim to build resilience in the LDCs and establish a food reserve system to help address food insecurity among the most vulnerable communities worldwide. HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani also highlighted Qatar's hosting last December of the High-Level Meeting of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), under the theme:
"Building ambitious global partnerships for a sustainable and resilient exit from the LDC list," stemming from its firm belief in the importance of international partnerships to support LDCs.
During the joint thematic event, Her Excellency emphasized that the DPoA MTR scheduled for March 2027 will be a crucial juncture for assessing achievements, identifying gaps, renewing solidarity with LDCs, and strengthening partnerships and initiatives that ensure the full and effective implementation of the Doha Development Agenda.
This will deliver tangible results that drive sustainable development and provide real momentum for the remaining period of the Agenda.
