About Us
Photo: Ethiopia. Jessica Lea/UK Department for International Development, Flickr
Serving 92 vulnerable states
UN-OHRLLS was established in 2001 and today serves 92 vulnerable states. The 45 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), 32 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and 39 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are facing their own unique sets of challenges in achieving sustainable development and internationally agreed goals.
At UN-OHRLLS, we mobilize international support and advocate in favour of the three vulnerable country groups. We raise awareness about the economic, social and environmental potential that exists in these countries and ensure that the pressing needs of the 1.1 billion people who live in them, remain high on the international agenda.
UN-OHRLLS is committed to working with all relevant partners to support LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. We help to coordinate the UN system in implementing three respective programmes of action for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. Aside from national governments and their development partners, UN-OHRLLS also works with civil society, media, academia, and foundations to support the sustainable development aspirations of the three country groups.
Our annual State of the Least Developed Countries report focuses the global debate on key development issues, innovative analysis and policy recommendations for LDC governments and development partners.
In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We have established a network of National Focal Points to ensure there is coherence between the international agenda and national efforts to drive change.
At United Nations Headquarters in New York, we help facilitate group consultations for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS as well as partnering to convene focused events around thematic development issues.
UN-OHRLLS is headed by High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima who also oversees the management and the programmatic work of the office.
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You can contact the Office at ohrlls-unhq@un.org
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) represent the poorest and most vulnerable segment of the international community.
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face challenges due to their remoteness, lack of territorial access to the sea and significant distance from world markets.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are remote from world markets and suffer from climate change and fragile natural environments.