Doha / Information Office / September 17

The State of Qatar participated in the virtual ministerial meeting of the Least Developed Countries, during 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

His Excellency said, in the State of Qatar's speech, that the world is living in unprecedented conditions surrounded by many challenges to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, whose negative repercussions affect all countries, and particularly affect the least developed countries, and threaten to undermine the achieved development gains.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar is proud to host the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, from Jan. 23-27-2022.

His Excellency added that within the framework of the preparatory process for the conference, the State of Qatar is working closely with the presidency of the Least Developed Countries Group, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, and it will spare no effort to provide all requirements for the success of holding this conference.

His Excellency referred to the first preparatory working visit of the delegation of the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries to the State of Qatar, which took place successfully in Nov. 2019.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar has never hesitated to play its pioneering and internationally acclaimed role as an active partner in the international community.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also referred to the announcement made by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, during the Climate Action Summit held last Sept, regarding the State of Qatar's contribution of USD 100 million to support the least developed countries and small island developing states, to deal with climate change.

His Excellency added that Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) is also currently developing a mechanism to respond to the challenges related to climate change through a 10-year strategy aimed at supporting these countries in achieving the ambitious goals of Paris Agreement and their efforts in the field of sustainable development.

His Excellency commended, at the same time, the important progress made in the Istanbul Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020, which constitutes an important framework for overcoming challenges.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs explained that there are still gaps between the goals and objectives and the achievements that have been implemented on the ground, which is indicated by the ministerial declaration that will be adopted today.

His Excellency stressed that everyone is fully convinced that the 5th United Nations Conference, to be hosted by the State of Qatar, will provide a unique opportunity to chart a course that responds to the needs and priorities of the least developed countries, and contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its overall goal of leaving no one behind.

His Excellency renewed Qatar's confidence that the new work program for the next decade will serve as a road map and a solid basis for raising the level of ambition, and an opportunity to make concerted efforts to face challenges, empower the least developed countries and achieve the desired progress in their economic, social and human development in a sustainable and comprehensive manner.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs added that everyone in Qatar is looking forward to welcoming participants to the city of Doha during the conference, which will be a significant and positive event in the joint endeavors to bring about fundamental improvement and meet the aspirations of the least developed countries.

His Excellency expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Republic of Malawi, Chairman of the Group of Least Developed Countries, for holding this meeting, and commended its appreciated efforts and pioneering role in mobilizing support to meet the special needs of the least developed countries and to continue to shed light on emerging challenges and opportunities.